Manchester City faced off against Newcastle United at St. James’ Park earlier tonight as they looked to secure maximum points on the road and celebrate their recent Premier League title win in style. The Mancunian outfit made a sloppy start to the game as they conceded the opening goal in the 25th minute when Emil Krafth scored for the Magpies with a looping header. However, Joao Cancelo equalised for Man City soon after before Ferran Torres completed the comeback in the 42nd minute. However, the visitors conceded a penalty in the first half injury-time which Joelinton successfully converted as the two sides went into the half-time break all level on the scoreline.
Joe Willock missed a penalty but scored from the rebound in the 62nd minute to give Newcastle the lead again. But it lasted for only two minutes as Ferran Torres went on to score two quick-fire goals to complete his hattrick and give Man City a 4-3 lead in the game. The match ended with the new Premier League champions securing an entertaining 4-3 victory away at Tyneside.
Let’s take a look at how each Man City player performed during the clash against the Magpies.
GK: Scott Carson – 6/10
The English keeper did well to save a penalty but won’t be happy after shipping in three goals during the game.
RB: Kyle Walker – 6/10
He made some important clearances but offered very little in the Newcastle half. Walker was responsible for giving away a second-half penalty as well.
CB: Eric Garcia – 6/10
The Spanish defender covered for his centre-back partner well but will be disappointed after allowing three goals at the back.
CB: Nathan Ake – 6/10
Ake got stuck in with a few tackles and managed to clear the danger a few times during the 90 minutes. He passed the ball quite well out from the back.
LB: Joao Cancelo – 8/10
The Portuguese full-back made a couple of important interceptions and was a constant threat in the attacking third. He also scored Man City’s equaliser in the first half.
CM: Bernardo Silva – 7/10
Silva worked his socks off at the centre of the park and made two encouraging runs from midfield.
CM: Rodri – 7.5/10
Rodri managed to disrupt the opposition’s rhythm in midfield and engineered several meaningful chances for his teammates to score.
CM: Ilkay Gundogan – 8/10
The German midfield ace was a constant nuisance for the opposition and ended the game with an assist to his name.
RW: Ferran Torres – 10/10
The Spaniard was by far the best player on the pitch tonight after he bagged an impressive hattrick to give his team all three points.
ST: Gabriel Jesus – 7.5/10
The Brazilian striker showed great energy to run with the ball and cause a few problems for the Newcastle defenders. He finished the match with an assist to his name.
LW: Raheem Sterling – 6/10
The ex-Liverpool speedster had a few lively moments in the game but didn’t do enough to get his name on the scoresheet.
Substitutes:
LB: Benjamin Mendy – 6/10
He did well to see out the victory in the latter stages of the contest.
