‘Seriously unlucky’ - Newcastle United player ratings from Manchester City defeat

Newcastle United suffered a 4-0 defeat to Premier League champions Manchester City. Here, our writer Jordan Cronin dishes out his Magpies player ratings:
Jordan Cronin
By Jordan Cronin
Published 19th Dec 2021, 16:25 BST
Updated 19th Dec 2021, 16:59 BST

Martin Dubravka - 5

Unfortunate to concede three on Thursday, put in a solid display.Unfortunate to concede three on Thursday, put in a solid display.
Unfortunate to concede three on Thursday, put in a solid display.

A shaky start from the Slovakian put him at fault for Man City’s opener. Looked more like his usual self afterwards, denying Jesus from point-blank range.

Jacob Murphy - 5

Scored his first Newcastle goal against Manchester City almost three years ago in a 3-1 defeat.Scored his first Newcastle goal against Manchester City almost three years ago in a 3-1 defeat.
Scored his first Newcastle goal against Manchester City almost three years ago in a 3-1 defeat.

Completely sold by Jesus for City’s fourth, which Sterling tapped home from inside the six-yard box.

Jamaal Lascelles - 5

Newcastle United’s captain will likely have a big role to play in their survival bid this campaign.Newcastle United’s captain will likely have a big role to play in their survival bid this campaign.
Newcastle United’s captain will likely have a big role to play in their survival bid this campaign.

Played Mahrez onside for his goal after a VAR review.

Ciaran Clark - 5

With Jamaal Lascelles suspended and Federico Fernandez still absent from the first-team picture, Clark seems like the natural option to fill in at centre-back.With Jamaal Lascelles suspended and Federico Fernandez still absent from the first-team picture, Clark seems like the natural option to fill in at centre-back.
With Jamaal Lascelles suspended and Federico Fernandez still absent from the first-team picture, Clark seems like the natural option to fill in at centre-back.
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Was involved in the miscommunication between him and Dubravka for the opening goal. Did the defender hear a call from Dubravka?

Matt Ritchie - 5

Expected to return to the side in Jamal Lewis' absence.Expected to return to the side in Jamal Lewis' absence.
Expected to return to the side in Jamal Lewis' absence.

Was up and down in the first-half but after the break, City targetted the left-side and Ritchie was left helpless at times.

Isaac Hayden - 5

Isaac Hayden.Isaac Hayden.
Isaac Hayden.

Retained his place to add defensive steel in the midfield but was withdrawn by the hour-mark.

Joe Willock - 6

On for Fraser, 85.On for Fraser, 85.
On for Fraser, 85.

Withdrawn at half-time. Was better in possession in his deeper midfield role.

Joelinton - 7

One of the shining lights of Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United has been Joelinton. The Brazilian has been required to play in numerous positions and been very impressive under the new management team at St James’s Park.One of the shining lights of Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United has been Joelinton. The Brazilian has been required to play in numerous positions and been very impressive under the new management team at St James’s Park.
One of the shining lights of Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United has been Joelinton. The Brazilian has been required to play in numerous positions and been very impressive under the new management team at St James’s Park.
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Again deployed midfield. Again impressed, despite the scoreline. Wasn’t afraid to get at the City defence, often got the better of Rodrigo.

Miguel Almiron - 5

Nothing new about Almiron’s performance. Full of heart, desire and energy but lacking in quality.

Ryan Fraser - 7

Put in a solid display at Anfield, one of his best performances for the club. Unlucky not to be awarded a penalty.Put in a solid display at Anfield, one of his best performances for the club. Unlucky not to be awarded a penalty.
Put in a solid display at Anfield, one of his best performances for the club. Unlucky not to be awarded a penalty.

Seriously unlucky not to be awarded a penalty when wiped out by Ederson. Another baffling referee/VAR call to go against his side this week.

Callum Wilson - 6

Many believe that it will be Wilson’s goals that keep Newcastle United in the Premier League and with six goals in just 13 games this season, it’s hard to argue with those conclusions.Many believe that it will be Wilson’s goals that keep Newcastle United in the Premier League and with six goals in just 13 games this season, it’s hard to argue with those conclusions.
Many believe that it will be Wilson’s goals that keep Newcastle United in the Premier League and with six goals in just 13 games this season, it’s hard to argue with those conclusions.

Another afternoon of feeding off scraps for Wilson, whose only clearcut chance came inside the last 10 minutes when superby denied by Ederson.

SUB: Allan Saint-Maximin - 6

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Introduced at half-time. Decision-making in the final third was disappointing. Seen a late shot rise over Ederson’s crossbar.

SUB: Sean Longstaff (on for Hayden, 60) - 5

Longstaff often struggles to impact games from the bench, and today was no different.

SUB: Jeff Hendrick (on for Almiron, 80) - N/A

A late sub - his first appearance under Eddie Howe.

Related topics:Jordan CroninManchester CityPremier LeagueMagpies

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