After dropping a couple of points at Molineux last weekend, Manchester City were back to winning ways a few hours ago when they welcomed Rafa Benitez’s Newcastle United to the Etihad.
Kyle Walker’s long-range stunner proved to be the difference between the teams as Raheem Sterling’s early opener was cancelled by DeAndre Yedlin’s goal deep in the first half.
The Magpies showed some fight late in the game but Manchester City had enough quality to not only keep them in check but also trouble them consistently till the final whistle. Here are the player ratings for the hosts in this tie:
Ederson (6.5)
Was rarely tested as he had just one routine save to make. His distribution was crucial.
Kyle Walker (7)
Was a more attacking presence than he was in the last few games and scored a stunner to win his side all three points from this tie.
Aymeric Laporte (6)
With a passing accuracy of 97%, Laporte was crucial in recycling possession but he was at times tested by Rondon who got the better of him in the air.
John Stones (7)
Cool, calm and composed in possession, Stones rarely lost the ball in build-up play from the back and was also keeping a close eye on Rondon, never giving him a clear sight on Ederson’s goal.
Benjamin Mendy (6)
Did not enjoy much success in the final third but he was still crucial in keeping the pressure on the visitors, making darting runs down their right flank. Also picked up the assist for Sterling’s goal.
Fernandinho (7)
With two key passes and two tackles, Fernandinho was essential in City remaining dominant for most of the game.
David Silva (7)
With four key passes and five attempts on goal, the Spaniard ran the show in a central role and was a constant threat to the Newcastle midfield and backline.
Riyad Mahrez (6)
With four dribbles and a passing accuracy of 92%, Mahrez was decent on the right flank but failed to take the chances that fell his way as he continues to settle.
Raheem Sterling (8)
His pace and dribbling was too hot to handle for the likes of Yedlin and Lascelles. A superb finish to get his side in front early in the game and never gave on troubling the Magpies’ backline.
Gabriel Jesus (6.5)
With two shots on target and a number of defence-splitting runs, Jesus, though failed to find the back of the net, was influential in City troubling the United defence.
Sergio Aguero (7)
Was unlucky not to score but his touch and close control often troubled the likes of Lascelles and Fernandez. He got a lucky assist for Walker’s goal but deserved to be on the winning side.
Substitutes
Bernardo Silva (7)
Added a fresh approach to the City attack in the second half and his passing down the right flank kept the visitors on their toes till the final whistle.
Ilkay Gundogan (6)
Came on to add numbers to the midfield and did well to see out the game without further damage.
Vincent Kompany (N/A)
Stat Credit: Whoscored.com
