Steve Bruce’s Newcastle United side crashed out of this season’s FA Cup tonight after a disappointing 2-0 defeat at the hands of European heavyweights Manchester City. Pep Guardiola’s team asserted their utter dominance right from the opening whistle, and the Magpies finished the first-half with less than 20 per cent possession. Although the 2-0 scoreline does make it look like the fixture was a contest, the Citizens’ inability to finish off the match despite a flurry of chances was the real reason. The Tyneside club struggled to create anything meaningful in the final third all through the fixture, with the only clear-cut chance being wasted by Dwight Gayle in the second half.
Here Are The Newcastle United Player Ratings Vs Manchester City:
Newcastle United Player Ratings Vs Manchester City
Karl Darlow – 7
The second-choice shot-stopper was undoubtedly the Magpies’ best player on the pitch tonight, as the scoreline could’ve been embarrassing if it wasn’t for his strong presence in between the sticks.
Javi Manquillo – 5.5
Forced to do a lot of defending all through the night, but didn’t get overrun entirely on too many occasions. Tried to overlap when the opportunities arose, but nothing took shape.
Fabian Schar – 5
Held his position and ensured that Gabriel Jesus didn’t enjoy too much running room in the final third. Made the unnecessary challenge that led to the game-changing City penalty.
Jamaal Lascelles – 6
The big centre-half positioned himself pretty well the entire night and tried his best to cut out any little avenues for the City attackers to exploit. Led the back-line well for the most part.
Federico Fernandez – 5
The centre-half had a few glimpses of quality in defence in the first half but was dragged out of position by the City forwards on multiple occasions. Needs to work on maintaining concentration.
Danny Rose – 6.5
The former Tottenham defender put in a decent enough shift down the flank and didn’t allow the dangerous Riyad Mahrez too much joy. Made a goal-saving tackle off Gabriel Jesus’ feet as well.
Miguel Almiron – 6
The Paraguayan speedster was forced to do a lot of defending tonight and was unable to utilise his quality in the final third. Worked hard off the ball and tried to link up the play whenever possible.
Issac Hayden – 5
The Newcastle midfield line had next to no effect on the fixture, and Hayden was nothing more than a spectator for a majority of the match. Played multiple loose passes and looked rattled.
Sean Longstaff – 5
Like his partner in the middle of the park, the older Longstaff brother struggled to have any sort of impact on the fixture. Passive for a majority of the game, and didn’t defend all that well either.
Allan Saint-Maximin – 6.5
The speedster was unfortunate not to get any help down the flank tonight, as he looked the player likeliest to create something for the Toon club. Some good runs but lacked the required back-up.
Andy Carroll – 6
The English centre-forward put pressure on the Manchester City defence with his forceful running when the Magpies attacked. Spent most of the night jogging up and down the pitch though.
Substitutes
Dwight Gayle – 4
The forward was thrown on by Steve Bruce as the home side looked for an equaliser. Was presented a sitter when the score was still 1-0, but he rocketed his shot horribly over the bar.
Joelinton – 5
Wasn’t able to do much in the little time he was on the pitch as the away side completely dominated possession of the ball. Showed one moment of brilliance where he beat a couple of players.
Valentino Lazaro – NA
Didn’t have time to make an impact.
DeAndre Yedlin – NA
Didn’t have time to make an impact.
Matty Longstaff – NA
Didn’t have time to make an impact.
