NUFC player ratings vs Man City – A few 8s, several 7s, the odd 6 and two 5s

A tough one to take for Newcastle United, who ran out of steam and lost it at the death in a 3-2 defeat to the champions Man City. Here's our marks out of 10 and comments on each player's performance:

Dubravka  7/10 - Made some solid stops and is able to clutch the ball to his chest more often than not. Still has a tendency to flap at crosses, but his quick distribution is a welcome addition to the Howe style of play.

Trippier 7/10 - A defensive organiser and creative force, his aerial presence prevented City from switching the ball to Gvardiol on a handful of occasions in the second half, but was sliced open by De Bruyne for Bobb’s winner.

Schar 6/10 - Put in some good challenges and threw himself at an onslaught of shots and crosses, however was slow to react to Bobb’s winner.

Botman 6/10 - It is good to have Botman back more consistently, however Newcastle’s defensive line while compact was easily picked apart by De Bruyne (even if the Belgian is one of the best in the world).

Burn 5/10 - Exposed a few times by the brilliance of Foden and the running of Walker which stretched our defensive left hand side. The first City goal game down his side, but his physical presence cannot be understated.

Bruno 8/10 - Another stellar performance from Wor Bruno who set up the first Newcastle goal with a wonderful first time ball to Isak. He later put his body on the line to stop an easy tap in after an hour.

Longstaff 5/10 - Looked leggy in the second half and gave away a dangerous freekick right on the edge of the box. It also felt as though he was bypassed often by City who played around him.

Miley 6/10 - The young midfielder struggled with the intricacy of City’s midfield passing, but made some nice line-splitting runs and has a good understanding of the right hand side of the pitch with Trippier and Almiron.

Almiron 7/10 -Was back to his best against Sunderland and really thrives when our press is consistent and frantic. He was a constant buzz of energy down the right hand side and caused problems for City’s defence, but tired into the second half.

Isak 7/10 - Took his goal very well, turning onto his right foot to bend the ball into the far corner, but felt quiet in the second half because of the nature of our defensive set up.

Gordon 8/10 - Scored a fantastic goal from just inside the box, cutting in past Gvardiol to sweep the ball past an outstretched Ortega. His ability to run with the ball is second to none in this Newcastle side. Came off with five minutes to play.

SUBS:

Hall - N/A - Came on for the final few minutes, replacing Almiron but operating down the left. Added some energy but barely touched the ball.