Manchester City

Manchester City player ratings: On-fire Phil Foden and super-sub Bernardo Silva seal vital victory

Richard Martin
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Phil Foden celebrates Manchester City Newcastle Premier League 2022-23
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The England midfielder scored a stunning solo goal in a 2-0 win over Newcastle at the Etihad in which the hosts' defenders also stood tall.

Phil Foden scored a breathtaking goal and Bernardo Silva came off the bench to finish the job as Manchester City earned a reasonably comfortable 2-0 win over Newcastle on Saturday afternoon.

Foden danced past three defenders and then, with the help of a deflection, beat Nick Pope to put the reigning Premier League champions ahead after just 15 minutes of play at the Etihad Stadium.

Newcastle improved after the break but Silva came to City's rescue, clinching the victory with a powerful finish to keep the pressure on Arsenal ahead of the league leaders' clash with Bournemouth later in the day.

Below, GOAL rates City's players after a vital victory...

Editors' Picks

  1. Goalkeeper & Defence
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    Goalkeeper & Defence

    Ederson (5/10):

    Had very little to do thanks to his defence but was a bit unconvincing claiming crosses and with his kicking.

    Kyle Walker (6/10):

    Made a mis-placed pass back which Newcastle should have exploited but was otherwise solid and started a few attacks with long diagonal balls.

    Manuel Akanji (5/10):

    Had a couple of shaky moments, including Alexander Isak dribbling past him by the byline.

    Ruben Dias (7/10):

    Commanding in the air and made a brave and well-timed tackle on Isak in the area.

    Nathan Ake (8/10):

    City's best defender today. Produced a tremendous block to prevent Sean Longstaff from shooting in the first half and had a commanding presence throughout.

  2. Midfield
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    Midfield

    Rodri (7/10):

    Bossed the midfield with very little fuss, making numerous well-timed interceptions and always playing the right pass, including the one that led to Foden's opening goal.

    Ilkay Gundogan (6/10):

    Had a couple of half-chances.

    Kevin De Bruyne (7/10):

    Was good in the first half and played a few key passes but faded in the second and was brought off for Bernardo Silva on 65 minutes.

  4. Attack
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    Attack

    Jack Grealish (6/10):

    Was always looking to get involved but Newcastle knew how to keep him at bay, be it closing the winger down immediately, or just fouling him. Played a part in the second goal, though.

    Erling Haaland (5/10):

    One of his off-days. Played deeper and had some nice touches but didn't get in many scoring positions and when he did, his finishing was poor. Got the assist for Silva's goal but has failed to score in six of his last eight games.

    Phil Foden (8/10):

    Man of the match and scored a magical goal, beating four defenders, even if he got some help with the deflection. Every time he got on the ball, Newcastle panicked.

  5. Subs & Manager
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    Subs & Manager

    Bernardo Silva (8/10):

    The perfect impact sub. Chased down Nick Pope within a minute of coming on, sparking the move which led to him finishing Newcastle off with a thumping strike.

    Pep Guardiola (7/10):

    Made a few changes from the Bournemouth game and immediately solved the problem Newcastle were causing his side in the second half by bringing on Silva.