Newcastle player ratings

Hart Distribution was a bit over-enthusiastic at times (does he think we've got Edin Dzeko up front already?), must have been frustrated with the marking for Andy Carroll's goal. Otherwise did ok - a good save down to his left late on. 6

Boateng Beaten too often by Jonás Gutiérrez when isolated, which was fairly worrying. Contributed well when he got forward, although the full-backs looked as if Mancini had told them to stay in second gear. 6

Kompany A major aerial challenge up against Andy Carroll, and another strong performance. Much less time on the ball than normal, which was both cause and symptom of our lack of possession. 7

Lescott Back in the side due to the suspension to Kolo Touré. Competent enough, and didn't look out of place given that Kompany wasn't playing much football either. His last game for City? 6

Kolarov Gave the ball away too much - misplacing over 20 passes. His shooting is getting better though - he will score this season, and it will be magnificent when he does. Zabaleta's going to play on Tuesday, somewhere, certainly. 6

de Jong Didn't get a polite round of applause from the locals. Couldn't control the game as he likes to - Newcastle's midfield was too good for that - but he kept things moving and kept the ball when he could. We're better with him than without him. 7

Yaya Touré Not much of the bounding physicality of recent weeks, just some basic midfield competence and control, a few half-breaks through the middle and a running spat with international team-mate Cheik Tioté. 6

Barry Opened the scoring very early on, and continued to run about more than usual - helping Kolarov, helping in midfield, helping Silva. Good stuff in a difficult situation. 7

Milner Playing on the right rather than the left, presumably to cover José Enrique, he did well - so much so that Mancini singled him out for praise after the game, which isn't something that the manager does often. He worked hard, set up the second goal, kept the ball - nothing spectacular but a lot of good stuff. 7

Tévez We can't pretend that he isn't toweringly important to us, and he showed it all again today: two goals and an assist. His second goal was a deflection - like his crucial second go-ahead goal at Bloomfield Road but, like Frank Lampard, scoring repeated deflected goals is a sign not of being a fortunate footballer but rather quite the opposite. More of the same please. 8

Silva On the left, strangely. Did not drift inside as much as usual, although was still important on the counter. Withdrawn early - possibly as a means to preserve him for Villa on Tuesday. 7

Subs:

Johnson Stretched the Newcastle defence late on. Surprise booking. n/a

Vieira Too late to mark. n/a

Balotelli Silly booking. n/a