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