Newcastle player ratings v Manchester City: Duo star with 8/10 displays, one man anonymous
Forwards
Jacob Murphy – 5: The former Norwich man returned to the starting XI after spending some time on the substitutes’ bench, with Benitez looking to rotate his side during this busy festive period. His first moment of note saw him concede a free kick with a really nasty challenge, while his time on the ball saw him dominated by the opposition defence.
Rolando Aarons – 8: The Jamaican speed machine was a shock inclusion ahead of more established stars Matt Ritchie and Christian Atsu, who dropped to the bench. He looked to take his first team opportunity with aplomb, and would have scored the Magpies’ goal of the season had it not been for Otamendi’s last second header. Energetic and driven, expect to see more of him soon.
Joselu – 5: Keeping his place in the starting XI ahead of the dropped Dwight Gayle, the Spaniard was tasked with leading the line against a City defence which has kept the very best sides at bay. He was ineffective as a target man, letting what little possession he saw slip from his grasp, and was another bystander in what was always going to be a tough game.
Click below to reveal how the Newcastle substitutes got on…