Newcastle 1-1 Manchester City: Player Ratings as Gvardiol's beautiful goal canceled out by Gordon's penalty | Premier League 2024-25
Newcastle United held Manchester City to a 1-1 draw at St. James' Park in the Premier League on Saturday, September 29.
Manchester City dominated possession for most of the first half but were unable to get past Newcastle's lines with the ease they usually do. Eddie Howe's men were prepared for what was to come and defended deep in their own half but were also ready to break on the counter. Both sides had fairly decent chances early on but neither could convert.
Just after the half-hour mark, Josko Gvardiol ventured forward and took up a lovely position as he was picked out by Jack Grealish. The Croatian then showed striker-like composure and faked one way before slotting the ball into the bottom-right corner with a low shot.
That was the only goal in a rather slow burning first half with Newcastle unable to muster a decent attempt on target until Joelinton's 46th minute effort which was saved. Manchester City entered the break carrying a slender one-goal advantage.
The hosts made a positive start to the second period as Anthony Gordon looked sharp in the final third and looked to make runs behind Manchester City's backline. He was succesful on one occasion in the 56th minute and was brought down by Ederson, with the referee awarding a rather soft penalty. Gordon stepped up to make it 1-1 as the game began to reach a perfect simmering point.
Multiple players from either side received yellow cards for dissent and having scuffles but the game went on. Both managers also made changes but Newcastle seemed to have the upper hand for a short while with the home crowd cheering them on. As expected, Manchester City dominated possession but were unable to do much with the ball.
Newcastle held their nerve and did well to see out seven minutes of added time at the end to secure a point against the defending champions. On that note, let's take a look at City's player ratings.
Manchester City Player Ratings
Ederson - 7/10
Ederson made three saves in the game including a lovely reflex save to deny Joelinton in the first half.
Kyle Walker - 7/10
Walker played the entire game and did reasonably well in defense except for the move that led to Newcastle's penalty as he played Gordon onside. He won three duels, making two clearances and two blocks.
Ruben Dias - 6.5/10
Dias had an average game in defense and was also booked for a foul.
Manuel Akanji - 6.5/10
Akanji had a subpar performance in defence as he won just two duels, making three clearances and one interception.
Josko Gvardiol - 8/10
The Croatian scored Manchester City's only goal of the game after displaying lovely footwork to make space. He also won seven duels, making two clearances and two interceptions.
Rico Lewis - 6.5/10
Lewis failed to make a telling impact on the proceedings and was even subbed off in the second half.
Mateo Kovacic - 7.5/10
Kovacic won six duels and played one key pass in a good performance for City. He also attempted two shots that were off-target.
Bernardo Silva - 7/10
Silva was dormant for most of the contest but ended it fairly well as he attempted the best shot of the second half with a long-range attempt.
Ilkay Gundogan - 7/10
Gundogan played two key passes and won four duels but also misplaced some passes in key moments in a mixed display.
Jack Grealish - 8/10
Grealish provided the assist for Manchester City's goal in the first half. He played four other key passes apart from that one and also won eight duels in a great performance.
Erling Haaland - 7/10
Haaland attempted five shots but just two of them were on target. He also won three duels and made four clearances.
Substitutes
Phil Foden - 7/10
Foden came on in the second half and attempted one shot on target and also won three duels.
Savinho - 7/10
He replaced Rico Lewis in the second period and played one key pass and also won both his duels.
Jeremy Doku - 6.5/10
He came on late in the game but could not make the desired impact for Manchester City.