Raheem Sterling scored on his 100th Premier League appearance for Manchester City but defensive frailties remained a problem for City as slack defending from Benjamin Mendy in particular allowed Newcastle United to equalise in the first half.
Kyle Walker was given a more attacking role in the second half and his long range shot proved the difference between the sides as City beat Newcastle for the tenth successive time at the Etihad in the Premier League.
Man City Player Ratings, Manchester City vs Newcastle United
Ederson. 6. Virtual spectator, just one routine save to make from Ki in the first half and was let down by his defenders for the Newcastle goal.
Walker. 8. A more reserved role for the flying wing-back but he went more attacking in the second half and put City back into the lead with incisive run.
Stones. 6. Allowed Salomon Rondon to get past him with a cross for Newcastle’s goal but otherwise quite solid.
Laporte. 6. Neat passing but absent when Newcastle countered for their goal.
Mendy. 6. Intercepted a sloppy pass from Newcastle and set up another goal but defensively the questions still being asked after being out of position for the Newcastle goal.
Mahrez. 6. A little isolated wide on the right, his tricks didn’t work.
Fernandinho. 7. Started off many of City’s good moves from midfield, denied by Dubravka as City went for a third goal.
David Silva. 8. Great passing in advanced positions, denied twice by Dubravka as City tried to extend their lead in the second half.
Sterling 8. Great curling shot to put City into an early lead on his 100th Premier League appearance for the champions. Offered plenty of threat wide down the left.
Jesus. 6. Diligent workrate and almost profited from a mistake by Dubravka as he dallied on a backpass. Messed up a great chance from a Silva free kick with a poor header and had a second half goal ruled out for offside before being withdrawn.
Aguero. 7. Movement kept Newcastle defenders on their toes, a great drive just wide in the first half reminded the Magpies he was there. Was finally through one on one with Dubravka during injury time but the Newcastle goalkeeper bravely came off his line to smother the ball.
Bernardo Silva (58, for Gabriel Jesus). 7. Quality passing.
Gundogan (76, for Riyad Mahrez). 6. Brought solidity to midfield
Kompany (89, for David Silva). Big cheer as the captain came on to celebrate 10 years at the club – too late to mark.
MATCH STATS – Manchester City 2, Newcastle United 1
Man City: Ederson, Walker, Stones, Laporte, Mendy, Mahrez (Gundogan 76), Fernandinho, David Silva (Kompany 89), Sterling, Jesus (Bernardo Silva 58), Aguero
Man City Subs not used: Muric, Delph, Otamendi, Foden
Goals: Sterling 8, Walker 52
Newcastle Utd: Dubravka, Yedlin, Lascelles, Fernandez, Clark (Murphy 80), Dummett, Ki, Diame, Kenedy (Atsu 54), Perez, Rondon (Joselu 73)
Newcastle Utd Subs not used: Darlow, Muto, Sterry, Longstaff
Goal: Yedlin 30