Manchester City faced off against Newcastle United at the Etihad Stadium earlier this evening hoping to consolidate their place in the Premier League table with a win. The Citizens made a dominant start to the contest and took the lead in the 10th minute via Gabriel Jesus’ goal. Riyad Mahrez doubled his team’s advantage just 11 minutes later, which put daylight between the two sides. Pep Guardiola’s men went into the half-time break two goals to the good.
The second 45 minutes was more of the same with Man City pushing on in search of more goals. The Mancunian giants added three more to their goal-tally via an unfortunate own goal by Federico Fernandez, a beautiful free-kick by David Silva and a late goal from Raheem Sterling. The match ended with the Citizens securing a comfortable 5-0 victory over the Tyneside outfit.
Let’s take a look at how each Man City player fared during the match versus the Magpies.
GK: Ederson – 7/10
The Brazilian goalie hardly had any notable save to make in the game and kept an easy clean sheet at the back.
RB: Joao Cancelo – 6/10
The Portuguese full-back did well to test Martin Dubravka with a shot in the first half. However, he was mostly quiet and a bit wasteful with his passing which led to his substitution at half-time.
CB: John Stones – 7/10
He had one nervy moment in the first 45 minutes when Matt Richie got the better of him. Otherwise, he was mostly untroubled and managed to keep Joelinton quiet throughout the remainder of the contest.
CB: Nicolas Otamendi – 7/10
The Argentine centre-back did well to mop up any danger inside his own half and has got a clean sheet to show for his efforts.
LB: Oleksandr Zinchenko – 6.5/10
The Ukrainian didn’t have too much defending to do during the game and didn’t produce anything of note going forward.
CM: Kevin De Bruyne – 8/10
The Belgian playmaker got one assist to his name, but should have obtained a few more based on the chances he created throughout the match.
CM: Rodri – 7/10
He retained possession well in midfield and managed to provide adequate protection for his teammates at the back.
CM: David Silva – 9/10
The Spaniard was outstanding during the game as he set-up two goals and scored one himself as well with an amazing curler from a second-half free-kick. He deserves the man of the match award for his stellar display this evening.
LW: Phil Foden – 7.5/10
The English youngster was a constant menace for the Newcastle defenders and was unfortunate not to come away with a goal or assist from this game at the Etihad.
ST: Gabriel Jesus – 7/10
The Brazilian striker has finally got his name on the scoresheet which will boost his confidence heading into the final phase of this campaign.
RW: Riyad Mahrez – 7/10
The Algerian kept his composure to score midway through the first half and produced another eye-catching performance down the right flank.
Substitutes:
RB: Kyle Walker – 7/10
The English full-back came on at half-time and looked assured in defence. He also got into some promising areas in the opposition half.
CM: Ilkay Gundogan – 7/10
He did well to establish Man City’s dominance in midfield.
RW: Bernardo Silva – 6/10
The Portuguese winger worked hard, but struggled to make an impact in the final third.
LW: Raheem Sterling – 7.5/10
The English speedster had come off the bench to score a late goal showcasing his hunger up top.
CM: Tommy Doyle – 6/10
It was a nice little cameo from the youngster in the final quarter of the match.
