A bitterly disappointing afternoon for the Magpies in Manchester, as the favourites for the title came away 5-0 winners.
We came up against a wounded Manchester City side who clearly wanted to put the record straight following their shock Champions League exit to Real Madrid midweek.
Two late goals made the scoreline look a lot worse, but it was never much of a contest and a one-sided affair from start to finish; even if we did shoot ourselves in the foot with missed chances at one end and mistakes at the other.
I’m sure our time will come, but for now it’s another defeat at the Etihad Stadium. Here come the ratings:
Martin Dubravka – 4 – Has to do better for City’s second goal, spilling a Gundogan shot straight to the feet of the goalscorer Laporte. Made a smart save to deny Zinchenko in the second half and kept the score down at times, but won’t be happy with himself today.
Emil Krafth – 3 – Given a torrid time by Jack Grealish in the first half and never looked comfortable. Has done fantastically in recent weeks, but got horribly exposed this afternoon against a brilliant City side and also left Rodri for City’s third goal from the corner. A bit of a stinker from the Swede.
Jamaal Lascelles – 4 – His passing really isn’t good enough; especially for an Eddie Howe side trying to play out. Just never looks comfortable with the ball at his feet. Made a great tackle to deny Foden before he eventually scored and was a presence from set pieces, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s moved on this summer.
Dan Burn – 4 – Never looked comfortable with the movement of City’s front three and was booked for some cynical fouling before a Man City corner. Got sucked out for both late goals and cut a frustrated figure.
Matt Targett – 5 – Given the runaround by Sterling in the first half and couldn’t handle his pace all afternoon. However, he did make a few brilliant tackles in the second half to stop City attacks and didn’t give up when others let their heads drop.
Bruno Guimaraes – 6 – Couldn’t get on the ball enough to stamp his authority on the game, but showed flashes of quality in tight spaces, was never shy in the tackle and played a few lovely passes to help us get away on the break. Overrun in the end and booked for a poor challenge on Grealish early on, yet one of the better players from a bad bunch here.
Joelinton – 5 – Moved back into midfield for this one. Broke play up well at times and always runs himself into the ground, but didn’t offer enough going forward.
Sean Longstaff – 4 – Wayward passes in transition, which could’ve caused City issues on the break had he got them right. Didn’t get on the ball enough in the second half, lucky not to be booked early on and was one of many who let the game pass him by. Looked out on his feet at the end.
Miguel Almiron – 5 – Work hard all afternoon but lacked the quality to cause City any issues. City too good for him and didn’t let him get in the game; even if his pace and energy threatened to cause problems on the break.
Allan Saint-Maximin – 5 – Gave the ball away cheaply at times and conceded a stupid corner which led to the second goal, also allowing Cancelo to run clear of him before he set up Sterling for the opener. He did create a big chance for Wood with a brilliant cross and was the only player trying to run at this City side in cruise control, but I won’t be the only Toon fan he is starting to frustrate. Howe should tell him to do his talking on the pitch.
Chris Wood – 4 – Headed a huge opportunity straight at Ederson at 0-0 which could’ve changed the course of the game. A tame effort that we need our leading striker to be putting away. Had one goal disallowed but was a spectator for most of the game and caught offside far too much. Will struggle to stay in Howe’s long term plans.
SUBS:
Callum Wilson – 6 – Great to see him back on the pitch. Clearly rusty, as he could’ve done better with the one on one Ederson smothered, but his movement in behind and alertness in the box was something we have missed. The team has a totally different look with him in it.
Kieran Trippier – 5 – Again, fantastic to see him back from injury. Burned by Grealish for Man City’s fourth, perhaps due to match sharpness. He’ll get back to his best in time, I’m sure.
Jacob Murphy – N/A – Not on long enough to give a rating, but played a nice ball in behind to send Wilson clear.
I just don’t get player’s ratings at times.
You give Bruno the top mark saying he couldn’t get on the ball. He had more touches than anyone else and twice lost the ball trying to dribble it out of defence, when a boot through it would have cleared the danger.
You gave St Maximin a 5 when he was clearly the worst Toom player on the park. losing the ball, falling over and, now his trademark play, cutting inside and fluffing the ball wide of the goal. For every 10 of those he tries, only 2 are on target. And for every 10 of those on target 9 are scuffed straight at the keeper.
While I agree that Lascelles is a waste of space, it’s harsh to mark down the defence so harshly when they are playing against the best front line in the country.
BykerBill(Quote)
Fully agree with Byker bill, ASM was the worst player for me, no creativity and a liability defending. A luxury player not providing enough along with his teammates.
Geordie Jon(Quote)