Manchester City were held to a 1-1 draw by Newcastle at St James’ Park in their first Premier League game since Rodri’s season-ending injury was confirmed.
It was a frustrating result for City, and Mail Sport’s JACK GAUGHAN, who rated the players’ performances, said ‘mistakes are becoming a habit’ for one struggling star.
But it was an impressive performance from Newcastle, helped by a ‘mature no-nonsense display’ from one defender, although they were not the only individual to shine for Eddie Howe’s side.
Josko Gvardiol opened the scoring in the first half with a fine individual goal, before Anthony Gordon levelled from the spot in the second half.
City remain top of the Premier League despite dropping points, while Newcastle rise up to fifth.
Manchester City and Newcastle shared the spoils in an entertaining game at St James’ Park
City dropped points in their first game since Rodri was ruled out for the rest of the season
Eddie Howe’s side put in a much improved display after last week’s 3-1 defeat by Fulham
NEWCASTLE UNITED (4-3-3)
Nick Pope – 7
Brave decision to come rushing out to meet a looming Erling Haaland and stunning save from Bernardo Silva’s volley.
Nick Pope made some brilliant saves for Newcastle and he was brave in several challenges
Kieran Trippier – 6.5
At fault for Josko Gvardiol’s opener when diving in on Jack Grealish. Performed well either side of that moment though.
Fabian Schar – 7.5
Wings clipped when booked in the first half but enjoyed the physical tussle with Haaland nevertheless.
Dan Burn – 6.5
Burn was done by Gvardiol for the opener. Good in duels. Might well be the one who pierced Haaland’s socks.
Lewis Hall – 8
Kept things simple at left back. Mature no-nonsense display from somebody normally renowned for his guile.
Sandro Tonali – 6.5
Probably guilty of holding onto possession a touch too long on occasions. Took up some dangerous positions.
Bruno Guimaraes – 7.5
Defence-splitting pass caused City all sorts of problems in the build-up to Anthony Gordon’s penalty.
Joelinton – 5.5
Energetic performance and tried to find space that would unsettle City’s midfield. Occasionally sloppy though.
Jacob Murphy – 6
Good when stretching his legs in behind but came up against a committed Gvardiol who bossed the battle.
Anthony Gordon – 7
Came deeper and deeper looking to become involved before his running manufactured the Newcastle equaliser.
Anthony Gordon’s intervention secured a draw after he dropped deeper to become involved
Bruno Guimaraes was a class act in midfield and helped to create Newcastle’s equaliser
Harvey Barnes – 6
Willing runner and probably had more joy when he briefly switched to the right-hand side. Some clever touches.
Subs
Joe Willock (for Barnes, 77)
Sean Longstaff (for Tonali, 77)
Tino Livramento (for Tripper, 78)
Manager – Eddie Howe – 7
Will be delighted with the display given Newcastle don’t currently have a fit recognised striker.
MANCHESTER CITY (4-2-3-1)
Ederson – 6.5
The goalkeeper’s usual daring antics, a back heel outside his box, had Pep Guardiola squirming. One top save from Joelinton.
Kyle Walker – 6
Defensively dealt with Barnes in composed fashion but played Gordon onside for the penalty. Mistakes becoming a habit.
Manuel Akanji – 7
Very strong when stepping out from the back and making sure the visitors won the first contacts around halfway.
Ruben Dias – 6.5
Distribution again left a bit to be desired. Undone by Walker for the goal after stepping up for offside.
Josko Gvardiol – 7.5
Super goal, turning Dan Burn inside out, and gives City a real outlet. Very good on the cover in behind too.
Josko Gvardiol scored a brilliant individual goal and gives City a real outlet on the left
Ederson was guilty of giving away with the penalty, but made one top save from Joelinton
Rico Lewis – 6.5
Never seems to put a foot wrong. Marking Joelinton at corners can’t have been an easy task either.
Mateo Kovacic – 6.5
Natural instinct to drive forward on the ball will be curbed for Rodri’s absence. Covered space quite well.
Bernardo Silva – 6
Took a long time to get into the game – just four touches in the first 20 minutes – before improving later on.
Ilkay Gundogan – 5
Effective enough in the middle third. Unusually imprecise around the box and wasted countless opportunities.
Jack Grealish – 7
Purposeful off the left. Held possession when required and upped the tempo for the opener. Positive afternoon.
Erling Haaland – 6
A mixed bag. Looked dangerous throughout and a menace, while also struggling with City’s link-up play.
For the first time this season, Erling Haaland was kept quiet and didn’t manage to score
Subs
Phil Foden (for Gundogan, 66) – 6.5
Savinho (for Lewis, 81)
Jeremy Doku (for Grealish, 81)
Manager – Pep Guardiola – 6
Picked a team to control the game but never truly had it his own way.
Referee – Jarred Gillett – 6