Newcastle exited the FA Cup after being overwhelmed by a vibrant Man City.
We were the better side for the first 20 minutes, carrying on from the great performance against manure on Wednesday. We took a deserved lead with a very good goal.
Then, as so often this season, as soon as we scored, our opponents took the upper hand. Man City just seemed to get better and better; we seemed to get worse and worse.
The second half was like attack v defence for the most part and Man City could have won by more if I’m honest.
We never looked like getting back into it after Man City’s second went in and many fans had left long before the final whistle.
Some of it was down to Man City being such a good side, but some of it was down to Newcastle forgetting how to pass the ball, and looking nervous against a ferocious Man City press.
I’d like to see the pass completion stats for both sides (actually, I wouldn’t – it would just depress me) because I’m sure they would show a huge difference.
The scores below reflect what I saw, but I will offer some mitigation – it’s just not a level playing field for Newcastle United…
Manchester City have a billion pound plus football squad and made wholesale changes from their midweek selection. Their bench included Donnarumma, Foden, Cherki, Rodri, Guehi, Bernardo Silva, Rúben Dias and Semenyo, and they left Erling Haaland at home. That is nine world-class players, most of who will probably start against Real Madrid.
Newcastle, on the other hand, had no choice but to field many of the players who put on such a monumental performance against manure on Wednesday, and most of them will have to go again against Barcelona on Tuesday. Part of the reason we lost this game was exhaustion. We are goosed…
Aaron Ramsdale 6
Maybe could have done better for Man City’s first…but maybe that is harsh.
Had one wobbly moment when he tried to dribble past two Man City players in our box and didn’t seem as confident as he did on Wednesday.
Kieran Trippier 6
Grafted hard, as ever, but Man City pretty much had him boxed in after we scored.
Did his best against Doku, and led the charge upfield a couple of times, but this game was hard work for him.
Malick Thiaw 5
Was a spectator for Man City’s goals.
Typified the nervousness that pervaded the Newcastle team – and crowd – which meant he wasn’t his usual imperious self.
A few good moments but he looks fried.
Sven Botman 5
Sven has shown glimpses of his best form since his return from injury but there were only a few last night.
Man City had him chasing his tail.
Lewis Hall 7
As ever, one of our better players, although he faded in the second half.
Had a good battle with Savinho, cleared a goalbound effort off the line, and was bold in attack.
Got a bit frustrated in the second half, although he was willing to move to right back when he was asked.
Sandro Tonali 7.5
Our best player and one of the few that looked to be equal to Man City’s star-studded line-up.
Great assist for our goal but few of his colleagues were on his wavelength.
Joe Willock 5
If we’d have been playing a lesser opponent, he’d have done OK.
He was certainly up for it and had a go.
He’s been good recently, in my opinion, but Man City were just much better. This is not his level.
Nick Woltemade 5
Sigh… Another performance where he had some nice touches, but was dispossessed too easily, isolated for long periods.
Had a decent header cleared off the line but was otherwise ineffective.
Anthony Elanga 5
His performance was a microcosm of the team’s.
When we were on top for the first 20 minutes, he looked electric, willing to take on his man, and looking confident.
Thereafter he faded badly and had no impact.
To be fair to him, he did make a couple of decent runs that went unseen by his teammates, but overall, his was a poor display.
William Osula 5
After the high of Wednesday night, it was back down to earth for Osula.
I share Eddie’s view that his best position is right wing, so why he played as a 9, I don’t know.
He had one decent chance but couldn’t control the ball.
Thereafter he got no service but nor was he up to the pace of the game.
Harvey Barnes 7
A lively display and one of the few who had a good night.
Scored a lovely goal to give the home crowd hope and was more of a threat than his colleagues in the front three/four/whatever.
SUBS
Joelinton 5
Did OK when he came on but couldn’t really influence the game.
Picked up the inevitable yellow card but Man City never really gave him a chance to get into the game
Yoane Wissa 3
You can be critical of Osula’s performance but Wissa did even less that him.
Not all his fault – the game had gone and Man City were in complete control – but he needs to show more for the money we spent
Dan Burn 5
I’m not sure BDB will be thanking Eddie Howe for putting him in at left back against a rampant Man City, but as ever, our man was up for the fight.
Man City were a bit too sharp for him in defence but he did try to get up the pitch and help the cause.
Anthony Gordon 5
Wanted the ball, looked bright, tried to influence proceedings, but to no avail.
Man City had the measure of him.
Tino Livramento N/A (Not on long enough to rate)
Pleased – very pleased – to see him back. I’m sure Kieran Trippier is too!
Didn’t get into this game but we’ll need him for the remainder of the season.