NUFC player ratings vs Man City - One 10, a superb 9, several 8's and a few 7's
What an absolutely incredible game at St James Park this afternoon.
A sensational effort and brave performance from Eddie Howe's Mags, who take a point and remain unbeaten in the Premier League.
I won’t be the only Geordie who is extremely proud of everyone single one of those players out there today. Here come the ratings from an absolutely stunning afternoon on Tyneside:
Nick Pope - 9 - A string of fantastic saves kept us in the game. In particular denied Haaland brilliantly in the second half with a tip onto the post. Caught the ball brilliantly and was extremely sharp sweeping of his line stopping the City defenders running in behind. Another smart save off the line to deny Haaland a second goal and some quick distribution to start attacks, too.
Kieran Trippier - 8 - A phenomenal performance from England’s best right back. An absolute mesmeric free kick in to put us 3-1 up. An incredible bit of business really, we’ve signed a world class right back for peanuts. Booked for a cynical challenge on De Bruyne late on. A stunning performance from our on-field captain.
Fabian Schar - 7 - Beaten at the back post for Haaland’s first goal and Man City’s second goal, however he made several fantastic interceptions, reading the game so well. His discipline has improved tenfold under the new manager.
Sven Botman - 7 - Stepped out of the back line for Silva’s goal which played him onside. Outmuscled by Haaland for a big chance in the second half which luckily Pope saved. However, had some brilliant moments and was so composed on the ball playing out from the back. Phenomenal block in the first half to stop a certain goal.
Dan Burn - 7 - Struggled to deal with Silva’s skill in the second half, but kept at it and was positionally strong. City’s movement at times was completely mesmeric which caused all defenders issues, including Burn. Came off for a head injury late on in the game. Fantastic competition with Targett for the left back position going forward.
Bruno Guimarães - 8 - Booked early on for a foul on De Bruyne which loomed over him all afternoon. However, it didn’t effect him and it was an unbelievable performance from the Brazilian man. Broke up play brilliantly, passed the ball forwards and tenacious as always in the tackle. What a player.
Joelinton - 8 - Fantastic showing from the Brazilian beast, who was a huge presence throughout. Ran superbly into the channels today and appears to be improving on the ball, with his touch and passing far more reliable. Created a big chance, three interceptions and three tackles summed up a great showing.
Joe Willock - 7.5 - A high-energy 70 minutes from the dynamic midfielder. Broke fantastically from midfield, his running causing Man City’s midfield all sorts of issues. Perhaps could have pulled the trigger second half when just outside the box.
Miguel Almiron - 8 - The best way to respond to Jack Grealish’s ridiculous comments last season? How about a goal and a relentless performance against the reigning champions! Took his goal extremely well considering the situation and body position he found himself in. Should’ve had another just before with a poor miss from an ASM cross, but his non-stop pressing, improved decisiveness on the ball and movement made him a pest for Man City all afternoon.
Allan Saint-Maximin - 10* - Completely and utterly unplayable today. I always felt for us to get a result today, ‘ASM’ would have to have one of his best games, and boy did he deliver. Kyle Walker - one of the quickest players in the Premier League - will be having nightmares for weeks this afternoon. Two assists, four key passes three fouls drawn, including the one for Trippier’s missile into the top corner. Arguably his best performance in the famous black and white! That is what the Frenchman is capable of, a coming of age performance?
Callum Wilson - 8 - A classic number nine performance against the champions. Took his goal beautifully with a fantastic first touch to get away from Ruben Dias. Was brought off in the 69th minute to protect his hamstring, but he put in a real shift, giving Stones and Dias a real tough time as he fought for every ball and backed in to his man.
SUBS:
Chris Wood - 6 - Didn’t offer much when coming on in the 69th minute for a knackered Callum Wilson. Slows the game down a bit, but did hold the ball up nicely a few times and worked hard defensively, filling in for ASM when the Frenchman didn't have the legs to get back.
Sean Longstaff - 5 - Poor pass back to Pope which could’ve cost us a point late on. Struggled to get up to speed in the game and became a bit of a bystander.
Jacob Murphy - 5 - Again, didn’t offer a lot when coming on in the 83rd minute. He has the pace but not the same level of heart or desire as Almiron.
