Newcastle United’s nightmare run on the road to Etihad continued this weekend as goals from Raheem Sterling and Kyle Walker were enough for Manchester City to steal all three points from their clash against the Magpies. Rafa Benitez’s men went a goal down inside 10 minutes but pulled one back, thanks to some smart passing at the end of which DeAndre Yedlin managed to find the back of the net, with Newcastle United’s only effort on target all game.
But Kyle Walker came up with a stunner from 30-yards out to beat Martin Dubravka, leaving the visitors chasing the game for most of the second half. After troubling Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur already this season, Newcastle United certainly tested the league champions but will be devastated to leave without even a point to show for their efforts. They now have just a point from their first four games and here are the player ratings for the side in this valiant effort:
Martin Dubravka (8):
Could not have stopped either goal but he was Newcastle United’s best player, making six saves, including three in the space of 10 seconds, to keep his side in the hunt till the final whistle.
Ciaran Clark (6):
With two blocks, two interceptions and three clearances, Clark was effective at the back in keeping the likes of Sergio Aguero quiet in this game.
Jamaal Lascelles (5):
His mistake led to Raheem Sterling’s opener but was otherwise calm and confident on the ball, making a total of 13 clearances all game.
Federico Fernandez (5):
Was at times troubled by the movement of Gabriel Jesus but stuck close to him and gave him no clear shots on goal.
Paul Dummett (5):
With three tackles and six clearances, Dummett was effective at the back against the likes of Mahrez and Walker but did very little to create an impact high up the pitch.
DeAndre Yedlin (6):
Showed great desire to dash over 60-yards to find an equalizer for his side and was also alert to dangers down his flank, even as Sterling and Mendy were direct in their approach to the game.
Mohamed Diame (5):
Was quick to hurry Manchester City player in possession, but was sloppy in possession, constantly inviting pressure back on the Newcastle midfield.
Ki Sung-Yeung (5):
With four interceptions and five clearances, Ki was effective with his defensive duties but his passing accuracy of just 67% meant that the visitors failed to keep hold of the ball for long periods during the game.
Kenedy (5):
Started on the right flank and was happy to take on the Manchester City defenders with every opportunity but created very little with the ball at his feet, before being subbed off early in the second half.
Ayoze Perez (6):
Excellent with his control and relentless with his running, the guile of Perez was crucial for Newcastle United, whenever they had to release pressure on the backline.
Salomon Rondon (6):
Set up Yedlin’s goal with a smart ball across the box and also troubled Stones and Laporte, winning seven aerial duels and showing great strength in hold up play.
Subs:
Christian Atsu (5):
Was expected to add some fresh legs to the attack but was sloppy with the ball at his feet, misplacing passes far too often for Newcastle United to get back into the game.
Joselu (5):
Replaced Rondon late in the game but did not get enough service to try and test Ederson on goal.
Jacob Murphy (N/A)
Stat Credit: Whoscored.com