Aleksander Kolarov starred as Manchester City won three vital points at St James’ Park on Sunday.
Newcastle United
Tim Krul – 7/10
The Newcastle stopper made several good saves but was unlucky to concede City’s second, while he would have needed impossible reflexes to prevent the first.
Davide Santon – 6/10
The full-back got forward as much as he could but gave the ball away a lot and missed the majority of his shots – badly.
Mike Williamson – 6/10
The defender produced a reasonable display for the most part, although he could not really handle Negredo or Edin Dzeko, while also committing several needless fouls.
Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa – 4/10
The Newcastle man produced a shocking display and his bad tackle resulted in Samir Nasri’s late injury. That kind of challenge has no place in the game.
Steven Taylor – 7/10
His side’s best defender by far, making a vital goal-line clearance at the end and almost grabbing an equaliser for his side as well.
Yohan Cabaye – 8/10
The Frenchman was unlucky not to score, coming close with several shots from range. Passed the ball brilliantly with the Magpies channeling all their moves through him.
Moussa Sissoko – 7/10
Another Frenchman unlucky not to be on the winning side, Moussa Sissoko was strong in the tackle and effective going forward.
Vurnon Anita – 6/10
The midfielder played well for the most part but lacked a cutting edge going forward.
Cheikh Tiote – 7/10
Scored a wondergoal in the first half that was controversially ruled out and bossed the midfield as much as he could thereafter.
Yoan Gouffran – 6/10
Did not get involved as much as he could have and lacked his usually clinical touch.
Loic Remy – 6/10
Was in the right place at the right time on many occasions but missed his main chances with some lacklustre finishing.
Massimo Haidara – 6/10
Came on late in the game and didn’t change much.
Hatem Ben Arfa – 5/10
Came on similarly late but was wasteful with his runs.
Papiss Cisse – 5/10
Like Ben Arfa, couldn’t influence the game after coming on in the 73rd minute.
Manchester City
Joe Hart – 8/10
The England goalkeeper made several crucial saves, all of which were out of the top drawer.
Vincent Kompany – 7/10
A rock at the back, Vincent Kompany was at the heart of all City’s best defending. The skipper has really made a difference since coming back from injury and him staying fit might well be the difference between City finishing first and second.
Pablo Zabaleta – 7/10
The right-back produces another solid display, venturing forward at every possibly opportunity.
Aleksandar Kolarov – 9/10
The left-back caused trouble for Newcastle all day long, raiding down the left-hand side and sending cross after cross into the box. Set up Dzeko’s opener.
Martin Demichelis – 6/10
Did not stand out in particular but did his job reasonably well.
Samir Nasri – 7/10
The Frenchman was not at his best but still provided City with plenty of creativity. Was terribly unlucky to come off injured and looks set to be out for a while with ligament damage.
David Silva – 7/10
The Spaniard was almost at his creative best, linking all his team-mates together with short, sharp passes.
Fernandinho – 7/10
This was another complete performance from the Brazilian, who almost doubled his side’s lead with a header that crashed against the crossbar.
Yaya Toure – 6/10
Didn’t have his most effective game and was taken off half-way through the second half.
Alvaro Negredo – 8/10
Scored a deserved goal late on and generally caused havoc throughout.
Edin Dzeko – 8/10
Showed good instinct to open the scoring, with what was a vital goal for City.
James Milner – 6/10
Came on late in the game and showed good energy despite not having much of an impact.
Javi Garcia – 6/10
Did little of note but helped his side defend after coming on.
Jesus Navas – 7/10
Threatened constantly down the right-hand side after coming on in the second half.
images: © geetarchurchy, © nyaa birdies perch
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