da bet nacional： A sizzling effort from the Argentina striker proved the difference in a tense and tight match against Eddie Howe's high-flyers
da bwin： Manchester City still do not truly look themselves and may be missing their star player in Kevin De Bruyne for the rest of the calendar year. But they still still have a squad bursting with talent and today Julian Alvarez reminded everyone of his sheer brilliance by scoring a stonking finish to see off a stubborn Newcastle side.
City had less than three days to prepare for the match after beating Sevilla on penalties to win the UEFA Super Cup in Athens and they looked understandably tired, having returned at 4am on Thursday.
One player who looked fully awake, however, was Josko Gvardiol. The newly acquired defender had a fine full-debut in the Premier League, shutting out a Newcastle side who had scored five times in their previous match against Aston Villa.
GOAL rates Man City's players from the Etihad Stadium…
Goalkeeper & Defence
Ederson (6/10):
Played his way calmly out of Newcastle's press and was equal to whatever the visitors threw at him.
Kyle Walker (7/10):
Consistent in both halves of the pitch although was given less room to roam than last week at Burnley.
Manuel Akanji (7/10):
On hand to put out potential fires in the area.
Ruben Dias (7/10):
Solid and composed on his return to action after missing the Burnley and Sevilla games with a concussion.
Josko Gvardiol (8/10):
A highly impressive debut. Made the most of his strength and size to shackle Alexander Isak and Miguel Almiron without over-committing himself and made a vital block to prevent substitute Callum Wilson creating a golden scoring chance.
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Mateo Kovacic (7/10):
Gave City control in midfield and his passing was exceptional. Looks very comfortable in his new side. Played his part in the goal, setting Foden free.
Rodri (5/10):
Not his usual dominant, imposing self and nearly gave away a big chance when he was robbed of the ball by Miguel Almiron.
Phil Foden (8/10):
Is really settling into his new role in midfield and twisted his way through Newcastle, setting up the goal.
Attack
Julian Alvarez (8/10):
Was always giving Newcastle something to think about. Won a tight and tense match with a thundering finish.
Erling Haaland (5/10):
Not his prolific self. Still linked up well with his fellow attackers and had plenty of action in the area but did not bring his shooting boots.
Jack Grealish (7/10):
Did a fine job defensively and was always involved whenever City came forward.
Subs & Manager
Pep Guardiola (6/10):
Despite complaining about City's lack of recovery time after the Super Cup, the Catalan made only two changes, bringing in Dias and Alvarez for Ake and Palmer. And he made no substitutes. His side still took maximum points against a top-four side though, which is not to be sniffed at.