City vs Newcastle player ratings

Hart Could never have anticipated either of the goals. Otherwise competent. Surely not the problem? 6

Richards Nice to see him back at right back - a throwback to the Pearce era. Defensively competent, and made some nice runs up the right wing. But when it comes to quality of passing and crossing, he's nowhere near Zabaleta or Corluka. 6

Dunne The fear that City fans don't want to confront: could our four time Player of the Season be what is holding us back? Unlucky to set up Newcastle's first, but scored their second for them. Playing with Ben Haim rather than Richards did not do him any favours. 5

Ben Haim Yet to completely assure in a City shirt. One or two nice moments on the ball, but did not look that comfortable with the pace and strength of Martins. One of the many unwitting assisters for Ameobi's equaliser. 5

Garrido Only seriously caught out once - when Duff shot straight at Hart in the first half. Otherwise efficient at the back and good going forward. Not going to force Hughes to put the cheque book away in 2009 though. 6

Hamann Picked over Elano in central midfield. Very successful in breaking up play and keeping the ball. Cannot be held at fault for defensive slipups or attacking miscues. 6

Kompany Same as Hamann. Allowed City to dominate possession without really ever turning the game for us. Getting slowly closer with his long range shooting - will score one day. 6

Ireland Perhaps our best performer on the night. More tenacious than brilliant, but still involved with some of our best moments. Good movement, control and passing around the box. Took his goal nicely, could have scored more. Only one away from his League goal tally from last year. 7

Wright-Phillips Lively down the right hand side, but final ball failed him sometimes. 6

Robinho Nice run for the goal (even if it was a good tackle), and a well taken penalty. And then good pass for Ireland's goal. In the intervening 70 or so minutes, could not really get into the game. 6

Jo Again, he worked hard, showed flashes of talent but did not quite produce. A few half chances went begging, a few times he got into the box but not near enough to the ball. Clearly a work in progress who is playing more than, had Bozhinov's Achilles been kinder, he otherwise would have been. 6

Subs

Onuoha Good to see him back, coming on for an injured Micah at right back. Slotted back in comfortably. 6

Evans Worked hard. Most notable contribution rugby tackling Steven Taylor before getting throttled. 5