Newcastle 0-4 Manchester City: Player ratings and Man of the Match as Guardiola’s men win eight in a row

Manchester City extended their winning run to eight Premier League games when they beat Newcastle United 4-0 on Sunday.

The visitors made the ideal start at St James’ Park and netted the opener within the first five minutes. It was Ruben Dias who converted the easiest of headers inside the six-yard box when a mix-up between Martin Dubravka and Ciaran Clark saw both players leave the ball and allowed it to bounce through to the extremely grateful City defender.

Despite an indifferent start to the game, Pep Guardiola’s men doubled the lead on 27 minutes when Joao Cancelo unleashed a rocket from the edge of the area, which flew past a helpless Dubravka.

City were much better in the second period and kept possession well. They made it 3-0 on 63 minutes when Riyad Mahrez effortlessly placed Oleksandr Zinchenko’s cross into the back of the net.

Raheem Sterling made it four late on after he was presented with an easy chance at the back post following a slaloming run from Gabriel Jesus in the wide areas.

Manchester City player ratings

Ederson- 7

Fortunate not to concede a penalty around the half-hour mark when he slid in and took out Ryan Fraser, although, somehow, referee Martin Atkinson and the VAR officials didn’t deem it worthy of a spot-kick. The Brazilian was only called into action once by the Newcastle attackers, when he made a brilliant save to deny Callum Wilson’s header on 81 minutes.

Joao Cancelo- 8

On his 100th appearance, Cancelo put in a superb performance and netted a Goal-of-the-Month contender with his strike from distance. His goal also set up the opener for Dias to nod home from a close distance. Cancelo was a constant menace down the right wing and was a shoo-in for our Man of the Match award.

Ruben Dias- 7 (off 70)

A solid display from the defender, who will probably never have an easier chance than the one he scored from after five minutes. Dias was taken off in the latter stages but dealt well with the threat of Wilson.

Aymeric Laporte- 6

Looked good on Sunday, although the centre-back was rarely tested. It was a typically assured and calm performance from Laporte at the heart of the City defence.

Oleksandr Zinchenko- 6

The Ukrainian played a part in two of City’s three goals, the first coming when his ball to the back post was squared by Cancelo for Dias to head in. Zinchenko’s cross also set up Mahrez for his goal in the second period. The left-back started well at St James’ Park but was quiet in general and didn’t offer the same threat as Cancelo posed on the opposite flank.

Rodri- 5 (off 68)

The usually excellent midfielder didn’t quite live up to his normal standards and struggled with the Newcastle midfield runs. The No.16 picked up a booking for a tackle on Joe Willock. The Spaniard improved in the second period but was replaced after the visitors went 3-0 ahead.

Bernardo Silva- 6

Another whose levels dipped, and Silva didn’t play with his usual zip and penetration on Sunday. He was booked for a tackle on Jacob Murphy and will be pleased at the prospect of a full week to recuperate before City are next in action.

Kevin De Bruyne- 7

His impact on the game increased as the afternoon continued and the midfielder played several impressive passes to team-mates in advanced positions. Guardiola will also be thrilled to see De Bruyne play 90 minutes for a second time this week.

Riyad Mahrez- 6 (off 77)

Netted his 50th goal for City when he placed Zinchenko’s cross into the net and his wonderful cross on 67 minutes really should have been tucked away by those waiting in the middle.

Gabriel Jesus- 6

Was the most lively of City’s forward players and was denied a goal on 52 minutes after a great save from Dubravka. He also came close with a left-foot shot on the stroke of half-time, and dropped deep throughout the afternoon in a attempt to link midfield and attack. Jesus’s excellent run and pass set up Sterling for his late goal.

Raheem Sterling- 5

Like a few City stars, the No.7 wasn’t at his very best on Tyneside, but he did improve in the second half. After netting his 100th Premier League goal last weekend, Sterling made it 101 in the final throws when he prodded home at the back post.

Fernandinho- (on 68)- 6

The 36-year-old didn’t adapt immediately to the pace of the game but was solid in possession when he came on to replace Rodri.

John Stones (on 70)- 6

Didn’t have much to do in his cameo appearance, but helped lead City to another clean sheet

Cole Palmer (on 77)

Newcastle United player ratings

Dubravka 5; Murphy 6, Clark 4, Lascelles 5, Ritchie 6; Almiron 6 (Hendrick 80), Willock 7 (Saint-Maximin 46;6), Hayden 7 (Longstaff 61; 5), Joelinton 7, Fraser 6; Wilson 6.