A familiar feeling up at St James’ Park as City, once again, beat a determined and battling Newcastle United.
JOE HART – 5
Didn’t have too much to do despite some Newcastle pressure. What he did do didn’t inspire confidence in the defence. Slow off the line on two occasions to collect simple through-balls. A horrible attempt at clearing the ball from a corner should have resulted in an equaliser. Kicking from goal kicks was off target too many times.
GAEL CLICHY – 6
Playing out of position at right back, Clichy put in a solid performance. Making good interceptions and providing support for Nasri. Not too much offered in attack and occasionally let his man cut inside too easily.
VINCENT KOMPANY – 6
Started the game too eager and was over committing. Lucky to get away with a few grapples. Grew into the game well and looked more composed in the second half with some timely tackles. BOOKED.
MARTIN DEMICHELIS – 6
Looks like a new man without that flowing pony tail. Some good tackles and excellent positioning. His pace was exposed a couple of times but he was wily enough to commit fouls that stopped the danger. BOOKED.
ALEX KOLAROV – 7
Provided most of the attacking threat from deep by making run after run. Solid in defence but slightly rusty with crossing in the final third. Looked sharp and fit. BOOKED.
SAMIR NASRI – 5
Played wide right and apart from one fierce shot in the first half never really got going today. Suffered from a lack of outside running by Clichy to provide more space to work his passing game. SUBBED.
DAVID SILVA – 7
Looked sharp from start to finish. Great running down the inside left and kept the game ticking over for City in the middle and final third. Lovely run and finish for the first goal. Will only improve as others get fit and offer runs. BOOKED.
YAYA TOURE – 5
Looked off the pace compared with Newcastle’s midfield and passing was unusually wayward. Provided a quality long ball for the goal and hit a freekick just over. Moved into an advanced position late in the game but had no effect.
FERNANDO – 7
Made his premier league debut and started slowly, not helped by the lack of running by Yaya. Grew into the game and made numerous tackles in the second half. Made a fantastic last ditch block when a goal look inevitable. BOOKED.
EDIN DZEKO – 8 MOTM
Led the line as the big target man and held the ball up extremely well. Brought Silva, Jovetic and Yaya into the game with knockdowns. Looked strong and eager. Made a fantastic backheel assist for Silva to score. SUBBED.
STEVAN JOVETIC – 6
Made industrious runs between the defence and midfield. Was dangerous when he got to the edge of the box and looked to shoot quickly. Some wayward shooting but will get sharper with game time. SUBBED.
FERNANDINHO – 6
Came on towards the end to offer more legs in the middle as Newcastle tried to equalise. Made a couple of good challenges and provided an assist for Aguero.
JAMES MILNER – 5
Same as fernandindo, came on to offer protection from the Newcastle left and helped Clichy cover. Didn’t offer much going forward but probably instructed not to.
SERGIO AGUERO – 7
Only on the pitch for a matter of minutes but that’s all he needs to get on the scoresheet. Ran the line and did very well to sort his feet out so quickly from the rebound of his first effort.