Newcastle 0 – 2 MAN CITY – PLAYER RATINGS
13 Jan
Hart - One outstanding save from Remy in the second half when the striker was clean through, and Hart was a reassuring figure in net. His handling was good, his punching decisive and he never buckled despite the late pressure - 8
Zabaleta - Had minimal influence as an attacking force, but that owed much to the home side’s control of midfield. At the back, Zabaleta was as committed as we have come to expect and forceful in the tackle - 7
Kompany - In games like this, you need your captain to step up and assume responsibility, and he did just that. An inspirational leader, he was imposing in the air and quick to anticipate danger. His covering of others was first class and he marshalled the defence superbly - 8.5
Demichelis - Used all of his experience to soak up pressure and maintain composed throughout. Battled well aerially and was sharp to read Newcastle’s attempted throughballs. We know he’s not blessed with pace but he’s a second ahead in his mind and formed an impenetrable barrier alongside Kompany - 8.5
Kolarov - His resurgence continues. His strengths going forward were evident, as a series of crosses, including the one for Dzeko’s goal, poured into the box, but it was his gritty defending and committed block at the end which caught the eye - 8.5
Y. Touré - Replaced in the second half with a back injury and that may have impeded him earlier on. He was a peripheral figure, unable to dictate the tempo, press high or challenge for the ball. Looked disinterested and we improved when he was taken off - 5
Fernandinho - Perhaps feeling the effects of a heavy recent schedule, but he wasn’t quite as energetic or dynamic as usual. Couldn’t impose his silky touch on proceedings and was left to chase the ball. More involved after the introduction of Garcia which gave him some freedom - 6
Nasri - He had looked lively without causing too many problems but then suffered a horrible-looking injury, following a pathetic, cynical and abysmal challenge. Fortunately, although initial fears were that he would miss the rest of the season and the World Cup, scans showed he should only be sidelined for around eight weeks. Nonetheless, we’ll miss him - 6
Silva - Created the first goal with his balance and vision, teasing Newcastle’s midfield and then delivering a perfect pass to the advancing Kolarov. Worked tirelessly but didn’t have too great an impact until the closing minutes - 7
Džeko - Scored the opener in a bright opening but then drifted out of the game and it was no surprise to see him withdrawn shortly after half-time - 6
Negredo - A much quieter affair than in midweek against West Ham. He found it tough to link up with those around him but he did step it up late on and his perseverance was rewarded with the clincher - 6
Subs
Navas – Provided a wide outlet on the right but spent a fair amount of his time working back to support Zabaleta. Wasted a couple of inviting crossing opportunities by taking too long to make up his mind - 6
Garcia - Won some important, pressure-relieving headers and sat deeper, which gave us some element of protection in front of the back four - 6
Milner – Helped Kolarov well down the left and retained possession effectively, before creating Negredo’s goal with a perfect assist - 6
Hi there,
I enjoy reading your thoughts each week, very good in the main, fabulous win yesterday’ a real war of a game, they showed real grit & guts to get a big win, great to see’ I hope city fans start to show some well overdue respect for kolarov, always felt city fans very very harsh about him, great team man,who loves playing for the blue moon, I’m glad he’s getting a run in the team,very exciting player to watch’ a peach of a left peg,also I’m really impressed by demichelis, extremely underated, reminds me of Paul mcgrath,can’t say more than that,& finally please the javi Garcia constant moan is really boring at this stage, I find it kinda weird & dispectful, the chap does his best,doesn’t moan,gets stuck in & a proper squad man,he’s been pretty good lately, very good yesterday,didn’t hide like ya ya so come on people leave it out. G.k
Great pass from Milner. Nothing good about Nasris injury, but at least we have a player like Milner that can come in and do it all
Kolarov was fantastic, he was my man of the match.
Kolarov and Nasi both seem like new signings this season and I’m thrilled to take the 3 points, but even though we’re now winning on our travels, we seem like a side easy to beat. I’m not sure what happens to our mid-field when we play away, but we don’t seem able to retain the ball. We give the opposition to much ball and too much opertunity to attack; I can’t remember an away game that we’ve dominated since the season we won the league
Maybe I’m being to hard on City but with Liverpool, Arsenal, Spurs, Everton and United still to play away from the Etihad I’m a worried fan.
A bit early to get worried, Blue. More battling performances like that and we won’t concede too many points, even away. I watched Arsenal tonight and they don’t impress me that much, just above “workmanlike”. Injury to Samir is worrying, he’s been one of our best players all season. james is a good honest player but not a like-for-like replacement. If we don’t buy, then someone has to step up to the plate – Lopes, Jovetic or whoever. I endorse the comments upon here by Glenn K about ‘Jerry’ Garcia we looked a lot more solid when he came on.
Enjoyed everything I have read on the markings and agree with the most.