Here are the City player ratings as Manchester City came from 2-1 down to beat Newcastle United 3-2 at St.James Park. The win by Pep Guardiola’s side feels like a massive moment in the season and it showed why they are the reigning Premier League champions.
The game kicked off with the treble winners needing all three points. City dominated the opening stages and took a well-earned lead through Bernardo Silva in the 26th minute. A sumptuous Kyle Walker cross was turned in by Bernardo with a backheel to open the scoring. It appeared it would be a case of how many the champions would win by but Newcastle to their credit responded.
They equalised in the 35th minute through Alexander Isak. A quality ball from Bruno Guimaraes played the Swedish striker through and he stood up Kyle Walker before curling the ball into the far corner past an outstretched Stefan Ortega.
It got better for the hosts two minutes later when Anthony Gordon repeated the dose. His goal gave Eddie Howe’s side the lead and sent St.James Park into raptures. They took a 2-1 lead into the interval with all to play for both sides in the second half.
The story coming out of the game and the second half will be Kevin De Bruyne and his impact on the game. City needed a hero and it was the club legend who stepped up. City dominated the second half but couldn’t find a way through a stubborn Newcastle rearguard. Up stepped De Bruyne.
He scored the equaliser in the 74th minute with a goal that was typical of the midfield magician. He then provided the winner for Oscar Bobb in the 91st minute with a precise cross. The young Norwegian starlet then showcased his immense ability to round Martin Dubravka and tap home to seal all three points for the champions. It was an immense performance from the City legend and Bobb’s poise and skill will be a talking point post-game.
Here are the City player ratings from a huge win for Pep Guardiola’s side.
City player ratings
Ederson-N/A: Substituted inside the opening 8 minutes due to injury sustained in a piece of what was ultimately dead play. Another victim alongside John Stones of the ridiculous offside rule.
Kyle Walker- 5.5/10: Set up Bernardo Silva’s opener with a superb cross. Was at fault for both of Newcastle’s goals but improved in the second half.
Ruben Dias-6/10: Did his job but like his team suffered when Newcastle scored twice in two minutes in the first half. Was professional in the second half as City dominated the game.
Nathan Ake-7/10: Another polished performance from Ake. He never lets the team down and when the rest lost their heads he was a calming presence.
Josko Gvardiol-6/10: Like his teammates he struggled in the first half. Grew into the game and his quality in possession is underrated.
Rodri-6.5/10: Did his job in midfield but has to watch his temper before it costs his team again.
Mateo Kovacic-6.5/10: Besides one poor back heel in the first half he continued his recent good form. Is becoming an important part of Pep Guardiola’s set-up.
Bernardo Silva-7/10: Taken off after 68 minutes of hard work. Scored a worldie for City’s opener and never stopped working.
Phil Foden-7/10: Foden was a constant threat throughout the game. His drive and creativity didn’t waver over the 90 minutes.
Jeremy Doku-5/10: Threatened on occasions but not at his best. To be expected after such a long injury layoff.
Julian Alvarez-5/10: Didn’t have his usual composure in front of goal. Toiled away but a rare off day for Alvarez.
Substitutes
Stefan Ortega-6/10: Could do little about either of Newcastle’s goals. Made one crucial save in the season half.
Kevin De Bruyne- 10/10: In terms of impact off the bench it doesn’t come any greater. Scored the equaliser and his ball for Bobb’s late winner showed everything City missed in his absence.
Oscar Bobb-8/10: A superb piece of skill to score his first Premier League goal. In his brief cameo, he stretched the Newcastle defence and then seized his moment.
What it means to be City! 🩵 pic.twitter.com/gl4p9aAb3z
— Manchester City (@ManCity) January 13, 2024
