Manchester City vs Newcastle United (Carabao Cup): City player ratings

Manchester City crashed out of the Carabao Cup with a 1-nil loss to Newcastle at St. James Park. After City dominated the first-hand, a second-half Alexander Isak goal was enough for Eddie Howe’s side to progress. The treble winners bow out in the third round of the competition. It may be a blessing in disguise to ease some of the fixture congestion for the treble winners as the season progresses. Here are the City player ratings from last night’s defeat.

Player ratings:

Stefan Ortega- 6.5/10: A quiet night in goal for Ortega. One top save in the first half to deny Jacob Murphy. He could do nothing about Newcastle’s goal. Besides that, he did his job when called upon.

Rico Lewis- 6/10: Tried hard but wasn’t his best night. Caught out for Newcastle’s goal and almost equalized late on but his effort went wide of the post.

Manuel Akanji- 6.5/10: Battled hard as usual, but struggled to contain Alexander Isak at times. Was booked in the second half.

Nathan Ake- 7/10: His usual professional performance before being substituted with an eye on Saturday’s league clash with Wolves.

Josko Gvardiol- 7/10 : Probably City’s best player on the night. One misplaced pass led to a Jack Murphy chance before half-time. Was polished at the back when called upon.

Sergio Gomez- 6/10: Offered a threat when playing on City’s right-hand side in the first half. Switched to left-back midway through the second half. Is getting better with more first-team exposure.

Kalvin Phillips- 6.5/10: Not a dominant performance from Phillips, but probably his best in a City shirt. There were glimpses that he is getting a grasp on playing in Guardiola’s midfield.

Mateo Kovacic- 6/10: Was his usual self with his drive from midfield before being substituted. A relief to have him back from injury.

Oscar Bobb- 7/10: Was City’s most dangerous player up front. Took his chance with his first start with the first team. On another day he could’ve had a couple of assists. Faded in the second half like his team as Newcastle went on the front foot.

Jack Grealish- 6/10: Got through the full game which was more of a priority than the performance. Had one effort hit straight at Nick Pope.

Julian Alvarez- 5/10: Squandered City’s best chances in the first half. Was busy before being substituted, but not his night.

Substitutes:

Matheus Nunes- 6/10: Worked hard when he came on. Couldn’t quite affect the game as he would’ve liked.

Jeremy Doku- 7/10: He was lively and dangerous again, and almost set up Phil Foden late on. Showed the previous good form from his previous City appearances.

Phil Foden- N/A: Not on long enough to mark. Almost got in behind Newcastle a couple of times late, but not to be.