Newcastle United suffered a third straight defeat after losing 2-0 to Premier League champions Manchester City. Phil Foden opened the scoring in the opening quarter of an hour before substitute Bernando Silva added a second in the 67th-minute.
Howe named three changes to his starting XI. Jamaal Lascelles replaced Fabian Schar in central defence after the Swiss international was ruled out with a slight concussion. Anthony Gordon made his full debut in place of Allan Saint-Maximin, while Nick Pope was recalled after serving a one-match ban.
Man City took the lead in the 15th minute when Foden eased past three Magpies players before his shot deflected off Sven Botman and over Nick Pope. Newcastle had chances to respond through Sean Longstaff and Callum Wilson but those went begging.
The triple introduction of Alexander Isak, Allan Saint-Maximin and Joe Willock threatened an equaliser but City scored a killer second when Silva fired home past Pope. It’s now just one win in eight for Howe’s men.
Her are Jordan Cronin’s player ratings from the 2-0 defeat at the Etihad Stadium:
1. Nick Pope - 6
Nick Pope - 6 Claimed numerous crosses. Could do nothing about Foden’s opener, or Silva second half goal. A strong late save to deny Foden a second.
2. Kieran Trippier - 5
Got forward fairly well, most notably creating a gapping opportunity for Wilson. Gave the ball away in the build up to City’s second goal.
3. Jamaal Lascelles - 6
Didn’t shy away from the physical battle with Haaland, and made his mark early doors with a crunching well-timed tackle. Strong aerially but not at all comfortable with the ball at his feet.
4. Sven Botman - 6
Unlucky to concede another goal (second time in a week) via a deflection. Did OK overall but his distribution wasn’t up to usual standards.