22/12/2024

Man City player ratings vs Newcastle as Bobb and Kovacic good

Miercoles 27 de Septiembre del 2023

Man City player ratings vs Newcastle as Bobb and Kovacic good

A much-changed Manchester City faced Newcastle in the Carabao Cup third round.

A much-changed Manchester City faced Newcastle in the Carabao Cup third round.

Manchester City crashed out of the Carabao Cup as Alexander Isak's second-half strike put paid to any tentative hopes the Blues might have had of a quadruple this season.

City were well on top in the first half, dominating possession without being able to break the deadlock. But Eddie Howe's men were a different beast after the break and their intensity brought them back into the game.

Their pressure was rewarded when Isak tapped home from close range. Rico Lewis came closest to an equaliser with a shot that whistled by the post late on, but it was the home side who progressed.

Stefan Ortega

Manchester City's cup goalkeeper stood firm when needed, saving from Jacob Murphy in the first half. Helpless for Newcastle's goal. 6

Rico Lewis

Lewis has struggled for minutes thanks to Kyle Walker's good form, but sent a reminder of his quality at Newcastle. He was inverting inside and supporting Kalvin Phillips, also popping up in attack, but left Isak unmarked to score. 6

Nathan Ake

Captain for the night, Ake was playing at left-back, defensive midfield, left wing and attacking midfield all in one. With the five captains all out of the XI, it's a sign of Ake's status in the squad that he led the team out - and his all-action performance was a fitting return. 7

Manuel Akanji

With an experimental side in front of him, Akanji was the rock in defence, keeping things tight and supporting his younger teammates well. Could he have done better in stopping Joelinton for Newcastle's opener, however? 5

Josko Gvardiol

Picked at centre-back, Gvardiol looked at home in his first start in his preferred position. It's a positive sign of things to come that he can comfortably play in the centre or on the left. 6

Sergio Gomez

It wasn't a surprise that Gomez started, but it was a shock to see him play on the right wing - his natural position. After a shaky start, he put some nice touches together and looked a threat with his running and distribution. Switched back to left-back for the last half-hour. 6

Kalvin Phillips

His self-confessed 'biggest week' at City began with a first start of the season. Nervous to begin with, he grew into the game and worked well with Mateo Kovacic. Will it be enough to see him start against Wolves, though? 6

Mateo Kovacic

A classy operator, Kovacic brought some experience and composure to the centre. City have kept winning in his absence, but they have missed his ability in midfield. A positive return. 7

Oscar Bobb

Bobb has waited patiently for his chance and took it with both hands at Newcastle on his full debut. Newcastle tried to bully him off the ball, but he responded with his impeccable footwork and driving runs. He was marked out of the second half, but still, City could have a gem on their hands. 7

Jack Grealish

Another surprise starter but marked his full return from injury with a typical Grealish performance - a ball magnet, winding up the home fans, and making things happen on the left. The most senior player in the second half, Grealish had too much to do on his own to get City over the line. 6

Julian Alvarez

No shortage of energy, Alvarez got a rare chance to show his quality as a lone striker with Erling Haaland rested. His good form continued as he tested Nick Pope in the first half, but he struggled to have the same influence as Erling Haaland when City needed it in the second half and was replaced to leave City strikerless. 6

Subs

Matheus Nunes (on 68)

Helped steady the ship and built on his good start in Blue. 6

Jeremy Doku (on 68)

Struggled to get involved and make chances in a quiet second half for the whole team. 6

Phil Foden (on 72)

Playing as a definitive number ten, Foden gave City a new focus but couldn't find the equaliser. 6

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