CITY RATED

BY STUART BRENNAN CLAUDIO BRAVO

Couldn’t have had an easier return - his only exercise was for his vocal cords, organising his defence.

KYLE WALKER

His runs forward, interchanging with Mahrez and De Bruyne, were key - his cross brought the penalty.

NICOLAS OTAMENDI

Had a rugged encounter with Carroll, predictably enough, but ensured the big Geordie was never a real problem.

AYMERIC LAPORTE

Took a couple of hefty knocks from Carroll but had no other problems - so close to a goal with a header.

BENJAMIN MENDY

Looked nervy at first after his Chelsea debacle, but recovered to do a decent job at both ends.

KEVIN DE BRUYNE

The outstanding player on the pitch, negating Saint-Maximin, launching City attacks and scoring calmly from the spot.

ILKAY GUNDOGAN

His contribution is not always evident, but he set the tempo for City and let De Bruyne do his stuff.

DAVID SILVA

Did the hardest job, playing between the Newcastle lines, and created havoc at times. Still a major asset.

RIYAD MAHREZ

Missed a couple of chances, but his presence kept that five-man defence stretched all night.

GABRIEL JESUS

Didn’t get much luck, but his work rate earned the shove from Schar for the penalty.

RAHEEM STERLING

Kept plugging away against a mass defence and got his reward with a superb second goal.

SUBSTITUTES

PHIL FODEN: (Mahrez, 63) Assist for Sterling 7

BERNARDO SILVA: (D. Silva, 63) Pleasant cameo 7

JOAO CANCELO: (Walker, 71) Nice easy 20 mins 6

RODRI: (De Bruyne, 71) Saw the game out 6 NOT USED: Ederson, Stones, Zinchenko, Sane, Harwood-Bellis