Man City 2-1 Newcastle: PLAYER RATINGS - Riyad Mahrez way off his best

Manchester City returned to winning ways on Saturday night as they battled to three deserved points against Newcastle United.

Raheem Sterling gave City an early lead with a fine finish after cutting inside onto his right foot. At that point it looked like Newcastle could be in for a thrashing but DeAndre Yedlin equalised on the half-hour mark as the visitors fought back.

Newcastle goalkeeper Martin Dubravka was a very busy man and he did his best to keep his side level, but was well beaten by a Kyle Walker thunderbolt which proved to be the winner.

Sportsmail's JACK GAUGHAN was at the Etihad Stadium to rate and slate the players involved.

Manchester City (4-4-2)

Ederson – 6.5

Smart sweeping up and confident distribution, as you would expect from the unflappable Brazilian.

Kyle Walker - 7

A quite thunderous strike seven minutes into the second half to open this game up. Exceptionally lively thereafter.

John Stones - 7

Growing into a more commanding figure and loves to roam into midfield with the ball.

Aymeric Laporte - 6

Didn't have a great deal to do and Stones took on the responsibility of distributing from the back.

Benjamin Mendy – 6.5

Frightening going forwards and frightening going backwards in equal measure. Sums Mendy up.

Riyad Mahrez – 5.5

Still feeling his way in at City. Nowhere near his best again and looks too agitated to make something happen.

David Silva – 7.5

Gave City much-needed extra impetus in the middle after half-time. Glided through the game and through the gears.

Fernandinho - 7

Occasionally loose in possession but knitted City together nicely and appears to executing more key passes than ever before.

Raheem Sterling – 7

Wonderful finish as he netted the opener, Sterling's second of the season. Is already back in the groove.

Sergio Aguero – 6.5

More effective when he's the frontline striker and not an awful lot dropped for him.

Gabriel Jesus - 6

Struggled in front of goal – missing one glorious chance before the break – but was busy when linking play.

City subs

Bernardo Silva (for Jesus, 58) - 7

Ilkay Gundogan (for Mahrez, 76) - N/A

Vincent Kompany (for D Silva, 89) - N/A

Subs not used: Muric, Delph, Otamendi, Foden

Newcastle (5-4-1)

Nothing he could've done about the goals and generally took charge of Newcastle's box fairly well. Terrific triple save in the second half.

DeAndre Yedlin – 7

Lung-busting run to net the equaliser and had to be alive to Sterling's movement.

Jamaal Lascelles – 5.5

Horrendous error for the first goal and seemed jittery in his left-preferred slot on the right of a three.

Federico Fernandez - 7

A strong communicator and obvious why Rafa Benitez wants him in the heart of his defence.

Ciaran Clark – 6.5

Stuck to his task as City attempted to infiltrate with more runners from midfield.

Paul Dummett - 6

Would've liked to have offered more going forward when possible. Kept Mahrez pretty quiet.

Kenedy – 7

Came off with a slight knock early in the second half. A blow for Newcastle because he'd been diligent in his work.

Ki Sung-yueng – 6

Doesn't seem to be affecting games just yet. This passed him by a little, although his defensive tracking was commendable.

Mohamed Diame – 5.5

Mucked in when Newcastle were under the cosh early but seemed a little ponderous.

Ayoze Perez – 5.5

Not precise enough when he had the ball. Wasted a couple of decent opportunities on the break.

Salomon Rondon – 6.5

Held himself well with limited support. Excellent ball for Yedlin's goal and was a target.

Newcastle subs

Christian Atsu (for Kenedy, 54) – 6

Joselu (for Rondon, 73) – 6

Jacob Murphy (for Clark, 81) - N/A

Subs not used: Darlow, Muto, Sterry, Longstaff

Ref: Kevin Friend - 7