Player Ratings – Newcastle United 3, Cardiff City 0

Neil Etheridge

http://gty.im/1085036120

Let down by a defence which never quite got to grips with the pace of this match. Made a couple of good saves, but City must defend better than this 7

Lee Peltier

http://gty.im/1084960648

Played at right-back with Manga switching from that position into the centre. Most of the Newcastle attacks came down his side and ‘Pelts’ did some good work, but was too inconsistent 5

Joe Bennett

http://gty.im/1084954032

City survived a penalty appeal when a cross struck Bennett’s arm. Home fans appealed, but it would have been a harsh decision if that had been given. Tried to get forward, but struggled when  the Magpies attacked down his side 5

Bruno Ecuele Manga

http://gty.im/1018725440

Linked up with Bamba at centre-back. Warnock says Manga could be among the best central defenders in Premier football. Always looked composed, but struggled when he marked Rondon later in the game. Will be given a run at the heart of defence with Morrison out for some time 6

Sol Bamba (capt)

http://gty.im/1081475330

Handed the captain’s armband with Morrison ruled out after having emergency appendix surgery this week. Rondon gave Bamba a tough time and Manga took over marking the Venezuelan later. Bamba battled, but both he and Manga struggled to contain the Newcastle man 6

Victor Camarasa

http://gty.im/1084959562

Limped off against Huddersfield in the previous match, but passed a late fitness test. The playmaker was man marked by Newcastle and found it difficult to get into the match rhythm. Was he 100 per cent fit? It looked as though City had gambled on the Spanish midfield player 5

Nathaniel Mendez-Laing

http://gty.im/1080362842

City needed to give the winger more possession, but he was starved of the ball. There were so few real chances for City to attack with real intent 6

Joe Ralls

http://gty.im/1018931700

Produced some good moments, but City missed the injured Arter. Ralls worked and competed, but Newcastle had the edge in midfield without really playing well 6

Junior Hoilett

http://gty.im/1084954178

I want to see so much more from the experienced winger. Has provided Bluebirds fans with some good moments this season, but failed to make any real impact 5

Oumar Niasse

http://gty.im/1084957836

Made his debut after making the move from Everton, completing loan move on Friday. Flashes of quality, but this was his first appearance of 2019 and he is short on match fitness. Service to him was poor and the link with Callum Paterson will need time to develop. Unfortunately, City don’t have much time 6

Callum Paterson

http://gty.im/1088973388

The Bluebirds signed Niasse from Everton and he started at centre-forward. That allowed Paterson to play in a supporting role, working to help his new partner settle in attack. Struggled in that role. Warnock may have to think again, although the Scot has done well for Cardiff at times this season

Subs

Alex Smithies (gk)

Not used

Greg Cunningham

Not used

Aron Gunnarsson

Not used

Kadeem Harris

Not used

Josh Murphy

for Mendez-Laing 82

Bobby Decordova-Reid

for Niasse 64

Danny Ward

for Paterson 89

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