One 3/10, two 4's and a few 7s - Newcastle player ratings from Man City defeat

Another rough away day for Newcastle United, who exited the Carabao Cup at the semi-final stage last night following a 3-1 defeat at Man City.

We had enough chances to score three or four, but the tie felt over when City scored early and raced into a 3-0 (5-0) lead at the break. Our second half showing was better, although the damage had already been done.

Here are our marks out of 10 and comments on each player involved in last night's second leg.

Starting 11

Aaron Ramsdale (6.5) – Given the nod ahead of Pope and kept things from becoming a complete embarrassment with a string of fine stops, including denying Haaland twice when he came on. Looked sharp in the second period after a nervy start where the goals flew in. A decent showing on a rare start, but couldn’t prevent the damage and was a bit of a mess for our second goal. 

Kieran Trippier (4) – Struggled to contain City’s wide threats and was culpable for the second goal which summed up a tough evening defensively. Offered little going forward and was eventually withdrawn as we went chasing a route back into the game. Part of a back four that got picked apart too easily in the opening stages.

Malick Thiaw (5.5) – Mixed bag really – pinged a superb long ball for Elanga’s goal which provided a rare highlight, but got caught out positionally more than once as City’s movement caused havoc. Showed some fight after the break but needs to tighten up those defensive lapses.

Sven Botman (5) – Returning from a niggle and it showed; looked a yard off the pace against Marmoush’s runs and City’s quick interplay. Did win some headers and nearly reduced the arrears himself, but overall a rusty display after missing out at Liverpool last weekend.

Dan Burn (5) – Battled manfully as ever and tried to marshal things, but inadvertently set up Marmoush’s opener after a fine tackle and he was stretched throughout. Shifted positions late on and kept his head up, yet couldn’t stem the tide in that disastrous first 45.

Lewis Hall (7) – Probably our pick of the starters in the opening period, driving forward with intent and winning some key duels high up the pitch. Defensive work was tested heavily by Semenyo, but he showed real energy before being sacrificed at half-time. Hopefully it was a case of preservation rather than a niggle. A bright spark in an otherwise grim half.

Sandro Tonali (5.5) – Kept trying to knit things together in midfield and showed glimpses of quality on the ball, but got swamped as City dominated possession early. Was far too easily bypassed in the first half as City ran riot in between the lines. Improved when the tempo dropped post-interval and looked more composed. Solid without being spectacular.

Jacob Ramsey (6) – Put himself about and tried to make things happen with some neat turns and forward runs, but found space at a premium against a well-drilled City midfield. Showed decent work rate throughout on a night where few could get on the ball cleanly.

Joe Willock (4) – Wasted a huge early chance by hesitating in front of goal when clean through, and that set the tone for a frustrating shift. Little impact thereafter and was replaced at the break. Needs to be more clinical when those moments arrive. Any thoughts of a confidence boost following his goal in Paris evaporated quickly.

Anthony Gordon (5) – Forced Trafford into a smart save but otherwise struggled to get into the game before limping off with a hamstring injury – another concern on the injury front. Lacked his usual spark and threat in a quiet first half for the front line.

Nick Woltemade (3) – Isolated up top with next to no service, barely involved and struggled to hold the ball or trouble City’s centre-backs. Hooked at half-time having offered precious little presence or link-up. A tough one to judge harshly given the lack of supply, but didn’t impose himself at all, lacking movement, presence or hold up play.

Substitutes 

Harvey Barnes (7) – Injected some much-needed drive and directness after coming on for Gordon, creating chances and looking dangerous whenever he got on the ball. A positive cameo that reminded us what we’ve been missing.

Yoane Wissa (5) – Brought movement up front after replacing Woltemade, getting into good areas and winning a few flick-ons. Had a couple of half-sightings but couldn’t convert, missing one big opening 30 seconds into the second half. Added some bite we lacked initially, but needs to sharpen up in front of goal. 

Anthony Elanga (7) – Wonderful goal to open his account for the Toon. Showed great skill to cut inside and finish in the far corner, but somehow missed a gilt edged chance shortly after. Has definitely shown an improvement in recent appearances but needs to kick on now.

Jacob Murphy (6) – Steady return from injury off the bench, providing some width and composure on the flank before shifting inside. Helped us retain a bit more shape without fireworks. Welcome back on the pitch.

William Osula (NR) - Came on for the final few minutes and barely got a touch.