Newcastle United battled hard at the home of the champions elect on Saturday, but Manchester City ultimately emerged 3-1 winners.
Moments of quality from Kevin de Bruyne, Raheem Sterling and Leroy Sane teed up Sergio Aguero – a regular Magpies nemesis – for a perfect hat-trick.
Jacob Murphy netted in an impressive display for Newcastle, though, and here’s how we rated the visiting players…
Karl Darlow – 7
The goalkeeper made a series of good stops and was unfortunate on the penalty, too.
Javier Manquillo – 4
Having failed to get to grips with Sane, the former Sunderland man then conceded a soft penalty in another poor showing.
Isaac Hayden – 6
The nominal midfielder looked comfortable in a back five, although he was one of the victim of Sane’s mazy dribble for the third.
Jamaal Lascelles – 7
This was yet another accomplished display from the captain, who must be in contention for a World Cup place.
Ciaran Clark – 6
Clark made up for a minor error on the opener with a sublime if, perhaps, unintentional assist for Murphy.
Paul Dummett – 7
Having starred in attack against Swansea City, it was the full back’s defensive work that earned the plaudits here.
Jacob Murphy – 7
A first goal in black and white was Murphy’s most telling contribution, but his speed on the counter and quick feet with the ball were similarly impressive.
Jonjo Shelvey – 5
The England international played a couple of incisive passes, but he was flagging badly by the end of a 90-minute shift in which he struggled to match the City midfield.
Mohamed Diame – 7
Diame has developed into one of Newcastle’s key men. He could well have earned a point with a fine run and shot at 2-1.
Christian Atsu – 5
Although there were flashes from the Ghanaian in the first half, his impact paled next to Murphy’s as Kyle Walker dominated the flank.
Joselu – 4
That was the forward’s best moment was an accidental back-heel in the build-up to Murphy’s goal said a lot for his performance.
Ayoze Perez (sub for Atsu) – 6
Drifting in from the left, Perez impressed in Atsu’s place and drew an instinct save from Ederson after Diame wreaked havoc.
DeAndre Yedlin (sub for Manquillo) – 5
The American offered an instant upgrade on Manquillo at both ends of the pitch, but Sane soon tied him up in knots.
Dwight Gayle (sub for Joselu) – 5
The pace and movement of Gayle compared favourably to Joselu, and yet the former still should have done better with a late, late header.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
