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 on Saturday.
Newcastle shaded the first half when it came to chances, until a moment of brilliance from Gvardiol in the 35th minute. Jack 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 the hosts, and City were hanging on for sustained periods, as the visitors missed the injured Rodri.
Ederson (7/10):
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, though.
Kyle Walker (6/10):
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 spot-kick 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 City in 2024; not bad for a defender, who also did his usual duties very well.
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. A difficult afternoon for the veteran.
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 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 Trippier throughout.
