Newcastle United suffered a 1-0 defeat at Premier League champions Manchester City following Julian Alvarez’s first-half opener.
Magpies head coach Eddie Howe named an unchanged starting XI from the 5-1 opening day win over Aston Villa with the only difference being on the bench as Matt Ritchie replaced Jacob Murphy.
Newcastle struggled to impose their pressing style on Man City in the first-half and could have no complaints when Alvarez handed the hosts the lead in the 31st minute.
Following the introduction of Harvey Barnes, Callum Wilson and Elliot Anderson in the second half, United threatened a response but fell to their first defeat of the 2023-24 season.
Here’s our Newcastle player ratings from the Etihad Stadium.
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1. MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - AUGUST 19: Fans of Manchester City celebrate after Julian Alvarez of Manchester City scored the team's first goal during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Newcastle United at Etihad Stadium on August 19, 2023 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Newcastle United player ratings from the 1-0 defeat at Manchester City. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
2. Nick Pope - 6
Got a glove to Alvarez’s strike but couldn’t keep it out. Good save to deny Haaland and Foden with his legs in the second half.
3. Kieran Trippier - 7
Dealt with the threat of his England teammate Jack Grealish extremely well. Really impressive in one-v-one duels.
4. Fabian Schar - 7
Made some important defensive contributions, the standout being a last-ditch sliding tackle on Haaland.