Man City player ratings vs Newcastle: Josko Gvardiol and Jack Grealish impress but Ilkay Gundogan has to produce more as life after Rodri injury begins with a draw

Josko Gvardiol’s individual brilliance was cancelled out by Anthony Gordon’s penalty as Manchester City were held to an entertaining 1-1 draw at Newcastle United.

Newcastle shaded the first half when it came to chances, until a moment of brilliance from Gvardiol in the 35th minute. Grealish skipped past a would-be tackler, and the Croatian defender showed great feet before easily slotting past Nick Pope. The hosts would not be cowed, however, and Gordon won and then dispatched his own penalty in the 58th minute. That equaliser ignited Newcastle and City were hanging on for sustained periods, as the visitors missed the injured Rodri. Both teams pushed for a winner and Bernardo Silva nearly won it in second-half stoppage time but in the end, they had to settle for a point on Saturday afternoon.

GOAL rates Manchester City’s players from St James’ Park…

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  Goalkeeper & Defence

  Ederson (8/10):

  Pulled off an audacious backheel early on but when it mattered, he was beaten to the punch by Gordon and conceded a penalty. His distribution was impressive and made a great stop to deny Joelinton, too.

  Kyle Walker (7/10):

  As usual, his defensive covering work was top notch but he played Gordon onside and the winger then won and then converted his penalty. On another day, could have conceded a spotkick for a foul on Joelinton.

  Ruben Dias (8/10):

  The Portugal international looked composed at the heart of City’s defence when others looked more shaky.

  Manuel Akanji (8/10):

  Started as a centre-back but played further up the pitch in a Rodri-like role, at times, when City were on the ball. Was never going to be as effective as the injured Spaniard but looked solid enough in his various positions.

  Josko Gvardiol (9/10):

  Showed the predatory instincts of a first-rate striker with a sumptuous turn and finish to give City the lead. That was his sixth goal contribution for his side in 2024. Not bad for a defender, who also did his usual duties very well.

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    Midfield

    Rico Lewis (7/10):

    Was maybe the brightest of City’s midfielders but the teenager looked a bit lightweight on occasion.

    Mateo Kovacic (6/10):

    While he has proven he can play in a deeper-lying midfield role, the Croatian didn’t have his best day and at times his midfield partners were overrun.

    Ilkay Gundogan (5/10):

    Seemed a bit off the pace at times and struggled to make much of an impact against the Magpies. A difficult afternoon for the veteran.

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      Attack

      Bernardo Silva (7/10):

      Had a relatively quiet game by his lofty standards when out on the right but looked more comfortable later on in a more central role.

      Erling Haaland (7/10):

      Won the physical battle with the giant Dan Burn but didn’t have many chances to inflict damage on Newcastle’s defence.

      Jack Grealish (8/10):

      Showed some terrific wing play, something that is too rare from him these days, to beautifully set up Gvardiol for the opener. Largely got the better of Kieran Trippier, too.

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      Subs & Manager

      Phil Foden (7/10):

      Nearly scored with one of his first touches but was denied by keeper Pope. Looked sharp when he came on.

      Jeremy Doku (6/10):

      Was direct and attacking but was somewhat ineffective in his cameo.

      Savinho (7/10):

      Tracked back very well to get his team out of a bind late on. A great option off the bench.

      Pep Guardiola (7/10):

      His midfield of Lewis, Kovacic, and Gundogan lacked bite at times as he tries to find solutions to a Rodri-less City. That may be a lineup he may shuffle next time. The Spaniard’s substitutes were brought on at the right time to wrestle back momentum, though.