Newcastle player ratings v Manchester City: Duo star with 8/10 displays, one man anonymous
Goalkeeper and defenders
Rob Elliot – 8: The Republic of Ireland international may have been expecting a busy 90 minutes, and pulled off an outstanding point blank save to deny City from opening the scoring from a wonderful free kick. Will be disappointed to have been beaten at his near post for Sterling’s opener, but he pulled off several other saves to keep the scoreline respectable.
DeAndre Yedlin – 7: The American speed machine was utilised as wing back, with his lightening pace crucial to the counter attacking football which Rafa Benitez looked to make use of. A lack of possession meant he was pegged in his own half for much of the game, before a final 10 minute flourish from the Magpies allowed him the chance to push on.
Jamaal Lascelles – 7: Tasked with marshalling a back five, which included three centre backs, the club captain ensured the defence was compact against the attacking threat of the visitors. Wave after wave came at him and his partners, and the quality paid off in the end, but he should take heart from his showing.
Chancel Mbemba – 7: Chosen by Benitez to replace Ciaran Clark at the heart of defence in a five man back line, he, alongside the rest of the back line, faced a tough task against City. He did not look as composed as defensive partner Lascelles, his clearing headers often falling at the feet of the opposition, but his pace and strength meant he actually kept the likes of Aguero and Jesus quiet.
Paul Dummett – 7: Making his first appearance since limping off in the opening match of the season, the long term absentee was thrown right in the deep end against a formidable Manchester City attack. Operating in a back three of centre backs, he seemed to lack the match fitness needed, dawdling on the ball unnecessarily at times. Still, only conceded one against an impressive City front line.
Javier Manquillo – 6: Like Yedlin on the opposite flank, was expected to use his pace to threaten City on the counter but rarely found himself with the ball.
Click below to reveal the ratings of the Newcastle midfielders…