Player Ratings from the Match: City vs. Newcastle

**James Trafford (8/10):**
Trafford delivered an impressive performance, making two crucial early saves that effectively dampened Newcastle’s confidence. He was quick to smother the ball from Joe Willock and displayed excellent reflexes to deny Anthony Gordon, later tipping over a header from Sven Botman.

**Matheus Nunes (6/10):**
Nunes appeared somewhat lackadaisical in the first half, resulting in a lapse that allowed Willock a chance at goal. He later received a booking for bringing down Lewis Hall after losing possession.

**Abdukodir Khusanov (5/10):**
Khusanov struggled with composure throughout the match, despite City’s overall dominance. He lost a header, contributing to one of Newcastle’s first-half efforts, and was fortunate to escape punishment after giving the ball away, which allowed Yoane Wissa to send his shot over the bar.

**Nathan Ake (5/10):**
Ake’s lack of pace became evident as Newcastle exploited City’s high defensive line. He was substituted at half-time for Alleyne after being caught out on multiple occasions.

**Rayan Ait-Nouri (7/10):**
Ait-Nouri effectively utilized his speed to challenge Newcastle, consistently making aggressive runs down the left flank during the first half.

**Nico O’Reilly (8/10):**
O’Reilly showcased a commanding performance in midfield, forming a formidable partnership with Gonzalez due to his impressive physicality.

**Nico Gonzalez (7/10):**
Gonzalez provided a solid foundation for City, enabling them to maintain control over the game.

**Phil Foden (6/10):**
Foden had a decent display but missed the opportunity to make a significant impact on the match, failing to stamp his authority on the game.

**Tijjani Reijnders (8/10):**
Reijnders delivered an outstanding performance, advancing through Newcastle’s defense and into the final third. He assisted Marmoush’s first goal and scored one himself, potentially missing an opportunity for a second in the second half.

**Omar Marmoush (8/10):**
Marmoush’s first goal came about somewhat fortuitously, aided by Dan Burn’s tackle following a moment of poor control. However, his movement continuously troubled Newcastle, as he capitalized on a poor clearance from Kieran Trippier to head in the second goal. He has now scored five of his eleven goals for City against Newcastle.

**Antoine Semenyo (7/10):**
Semenyo proved to be another challenge for Newcastle, assisting Reijnders’ goal with a powerful run into the box.

**Max Alleyne (5/10):**
Alleyne faced a challenging second half after coming on to replace Ake.

**Rodri (6/10):**
Rodri contributed effectively to breaking through Newcastle’s defense upon his arrival in the match.

**Erling Haaland (7/10):**
Haaland made his presence felt, creating two scoring opportunities.

**Rayan Cherki (7/10):**
Cherki energized the crowd with his impressive trickery during his brief appearance.

**Rico Lewis (N/A):**
Lewis substituted in for Gonzalez in the 83rd minute.

**Pep Guardiola (7/10):**
Guardiola’s strategy proved successful, as the tie was effectively decided after the first goal. While he may have been frustrated with the team’s lack of intensity in the second half, he made crucial substitutions to reinvigorate the squad.