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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13. Harvey Barnes (on for Gordon, 56) - 7
Injected some pace and purpose on the left. Had a shot saved by Ederson. | Getty Images
14. Sean Longstaff (on for Joelinton, 56) - 6
Battled well if a little wasteful with the ball. | Getty Images
15. Callum Wilson (on for Isak, 67) - 6
Wasted a good chance for Newcastle when Almiron pressed City into an area. Battled up top. | AFP via Getty Images
16. Elliot Anderson (on for Tonali 67) - 6.5
Bright spark when he entered the field. | Getty Images