The shambolic Champions League defeat against Real Madrid was a major setback, but the star-studded Manchester City received a massive boost in the Premier League race after Liverpool’s 1-1 draw versus Tottenham Hotspur. They had to regroup themselves this evening ahead of hosting Newcastle United at the Etihad and Pep Guardiola’s juggernaut delivered another scintillating display to clinch a commanding 5-0 triumph.
Below are the Manchester City players rated in their comprehensive win against Newcastle United.
Ederson: 7
Was not troubled at all between the sticks. Chris Wood had a free header early into the game, but his effort lacked the pace to beat the Brazilian.
Joao Cancelo: 8
Was effective with his overlapping runs as he not only tested Martin Dubravka in the Magpies’ goal but also set it up for Raheem Sterling who made no mistake to find the target around the 19th-minute mark.
Rubel Dias: 7
Played his part in Laporte’s goal and maintained composure in the defensive third against Newcastle’s initial attacking threats. Was taken off at half-time with a potential injury problem. Fernandinho replaced him in deep defence.
Aymeric Laporte: 8
Made no mistake to find the target from a close distance. Handled the aerial duels comfortably and played plenty of passes from the back to initiate attacking moves. Made way for Conrad Egan-Riley with a few minutes remaining.
Oleksandr Zinchenko: 8
Lively from the left-hand flank with persistent runs, link-up play and crosses. Set it up for Foden who found the target late in the game.
Rodri: 8
Another resolute display from his deep-lying midfield role. Made timely recoveries to maintain supremacy in the middle of the park and found the target as well in the second half to make it 3-0.
Ilkay Gundogan: 7
Played his part in Laporte’s goal. Got dispossessed a few times, but his overall movement and swift one-twos helped the hosts dictate the tempo from the centre of the pitch.
Kevin De Bruyne: 8.5
Another stellar performance from the Belgian who kept on making down the middle runs and creating chances in the attacking third. Assisted Rodri from a corner and contributed all throughout in the attacking transitions.
Raheem Sterling: 9
Made no mistake to find the target early into the contest. Looked lively from the right-hand flank with an array of dribbling attempts and he scored again in the stoppage time to put five past their opponents.
Jack Grealish: 7.5
The mega-money summer recruit had moments of excellence down the left. He played his part in Foden’s goal, and also set it up for Sterling who made it 5-0 seconds before the final whistle.
Gabriel Jesus: 6.5
The in-form attacker contributed to the build-ups. However, he looked a bit predictable while leading the line and was eventually taken off for Phil Foden just over the hour-mark.
Manchester City Subs Vs Newcastle United
Fernandinho: 7
The no-nonsense defending from the veteran Brazilian helped City continue their free-flowing attacking game.
Phil Foden: 8
Found the target after some swift movements and one-twos high up the pitch.
Conrad Egan-Riley: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
