We asked Dean Wilkins to give us his match ratings and player commentary after Manchester City 2 Newcastle 1
Pope 7
He made some good saves and played well overall.
Had no chance with the winning goal and while some said Pope could have done better with the opener, I think it would have been an excellent save had he kept the ball out. O’Reilly hit him with power and the fact that he cut over the ball as he struck it meant he moved away from Pope, making it extra difficult to keep out. If he had had a full hand on it, I think he would have made it, but fingertips weren’t enough.
Trippier 7
Another good game for the experienced full-back and Trippier did well at the back, Trippier was also good in the future.
Some decent crosses and I thought he did particularly well with long passes from deep behind the Man City defense, which Elanga in particular was able to run onto.
Thiaw 7.5
Once again in great shape.
Newcastle United were under considerable pressure at times, especially in the first half, when the Germany international got into trouble.
Burn 8
Another epic battle with Erling Haaland and once again Dan Burn coming out on top.
Haaland has not scored against Newcastle since August 2022, when he made his first appearance against NUFC. BDB is the main reason for this.
Dan Burn scored a very good header, but it was disallowed due to a bizarre incident. Clearly pushed into an offside position by a Man City defender, you thought this had to be the confirmed goal, or a given penalty, or at worst another free-kick. But of all possible options, offside was awarded.
Hall 7.5
Once again one of United’s best players.
Did well in defence, with Man City peppering his side of the pitch with numbers.
But once you get Lewis Hall on the other half of the pitch, he is such an exceptionally elite player.
Such tremendous quality on the ball and nice to see him get a goal coming up. He is capable of scoring and creating much more.
Tonal 7.5
Another player back in form and the team is benefiting from this.
The Italy international was the key figure in Newcastle’s midfield which performed as well as it could.
Ramsey 7
I think Eddie Howe has signed a very good player.
It stays a bit under the radar, but now delivers consistently good performance.
Takes good care of the ball and got an assist for Hall’s goal.
Willock 6.5
I don’t think anyone played badly that night.
Willock is working hard like the rest and his running with the ball is a plus as he has returned close to the kind of form that made him a first-team regular in the past.
Figure 6.5
Still a bit erratic, but like Willock, worked hard to come back and expand Man City at the other end.
He’s getting better and he just needs to improve his decision-making at key moments. Although his confidence has improved, I think if he goes a few more steps we will see the player we expected.
Woltemade 6.5
I thought he did well.
It was always going to be more difficult in this position when playing against top quality opponents, receiving the ball most of the time in your own half and with a lot of attention from the opponents.
Still early days, but promising as Eddie Howe now regularly uses Big Nick in a deeper position.
Gordon 7.5
Anthony Gordon thrives in this advanced position and his pace is a constant concern for Man City’s defence.
Dias was shown a yellow card when Gordon sprinted away from him in a great position on the counter-attack, forcing Pep Guardiola to come on.
Gordon’s work rate is excellent and he does more sprints than any teammate. He’s almost caught Donnarumma a few times, with those final ten-yard sprints putting real pressure on goalkeepers and defenders.
SUBS
Barnes 6.5
Was decent when he came in and did his bit.
Nearly got the equalizer United later deserved, but was thwarted by Man City’s keeper.
7. Joelinton
Great to have him back and he gave the team something different/extra when he was introduced.
Can play a big role in the important matches ahead.
Osula 6
Largely a thankless task, but he ran and chased the defenders in an attempt to help NUFC equalize. Still early back from a long-term injury and could prove to be a valuable team player.
Jacob Murphy 6.5
With the number of options in attacking positions, this can hopefully pay off for Eddie Howe.
The battle for places where driving performance and the opportunity to share minutes are invaluable.
As he approaches his 31st birthday on Tuesday, the lifelong Newcastle United fan still has plenty to contribute.
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