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Match Report and Player Ratings: Newcastle 2-3 Manchester City (Premier League)

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Kevin De Bruyne returned to save the day for Manchester City as Oscar Bobb announced himself to the world in a comeback win against Newcastle in a thrilling victory.

All five goals were excellent displays of finishing as once again Manchester City were forced to pull themselves out of a first-half hole, coming from behind late on to win and remain second in the Premier League table.

It was a difficult start for Pep Guardiola’s side, who saw Ederson forced off the pitch inside the first 10 minutes after a collision with Kyle Walker and Sean Longstaff. Despite Longstaff being a few yards offside, the lineman was forced to keep his flag down and allow play to continue, leading to the injury. 

It’s the second time this season a key member of the squad has been injured by VAR’s offside procedure after John Stones suffered a similar fate at Goodison Park in December.

Following the injury Manchester City took total control of the game and broke through in the 26th minute, after Bernardo Silva’s excellent no look finish found the back of the net. The goal was setup from a Kyle Walker cross. 

Newcastle equalized in the 35th minute when Isak scored against the run of play. The Swedish striker cut in on his right foot and curled an excellent finish passed a diving Ortega. 

Just moments later Newcastle took the lead in almost the identical fashion, except this time it was Gordon cutting in and putting one into the back of the net. 

The two goals highlighted how Manchester City had completely lost control over the past 10 minutes and allowed Newcastle to get back into the game to close out the first half. 

Manchester City started the second half off strong and took control from the start, pushing for the comeback. 

But it was in the 69th minute when Bernardo Silva was replaced by Kevin De Bruyne, and from there the game took on a new life.

https://twitter.com/City_Xtra/status/1746251661884952729

The Belgian immediately made an impact following his return and scored the equalizer in the 74th minute. After carrying the ball for a few yard De Bruyne calm passed the ball into the back of the net to make it 2-2. 

It was beginning to look like City were unable to capitalize on their chances to take the lead, but finally broke through in the closing moments. 

De Bruyne lofted a beautiful ball over the top of the Newcastle defence to Bobb who was making a run in behind. The Norwegian calmly dribbled past Dubravka to slide in the game winner. 

The win sees Manchester City continue to their push for a fourth consecutive Premier League trophy, as they sit just two points behind first placed Liverpool.

Here are the player ratings from Manchester City’s comeback win over Newcastle!

Player Ratings

Ederson – N/A

Injured within the first five minutes.

Kyle Walker – 5

Excellent cross to setup the first goal, but was out of position for both of Newcastle’s goals. Was much better in the second-half.

Ruben Dias –  8

At times looked absolutely incredible, played virtually mistake free for most of the match. Continues to look like the old Dias. 

Nathan Ake – 7

Solid as always.

Josko Gvardiol – 7

Was mostly great despite being being deployed in an advanced role. However gave the ball away leading to both goals. 

Rodri – 8.5

Instrumental as always. Was nervous he was going to allow Guimaraes to get under his skin, but he composed himself and ran the show.

Mateo Kovacic – 7

Good not great performance, his lack of goal threat continues to be and issue considering he’s the Gundogan replacement.

Phil Foden – 7.5

Wasn’t able to replicate the same fine form against Newcastle like he has for the past few matches against them. But he continued to grow into the game throughout the second half. 

Bernardo Silva – 7.5

Excellent finish to take the lead, wasn’t able to have much of an impact after the fact and his substitute was the reason why City won. 

Julian Alvarez – 6.5

Got himself into plenty of great positions, had a couple of good efforts saved but also was unable to convert an easy chance. Should’ve been better. 

Jeremy Doku – 6.5

Electric on the ball and helped setup the first goal, but there was not a lot else throughout his time on the pitch. 

Substitutes

Stefan Ortega – 7

Had a great save against Isak in the second half, wasn’t at fault for either goal. Not a bad performance considering the circumstances

Kevin De Bruyne – 9 (MOTM)

Was a menace from the moment he came on the pitch. Scored the equalizer, created the winner. Best in the world. 

Oscar Bobb – 8

Was not on for too long but was absolutely excellent for the winner.

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