In a match where the home side adopted the now-conventional approach of sitting so deep for the first half an hour that they might as well have been kitted in wet suits, Man City's passing game dominated affairs once again. As the game wore on, though, wastefulness began to creep into City's play and they finished the match hanging on in truly unconventional style. The gap at the top grows to 15 points, while City's impeccable record at St James Park is maintained.
Positives
When Kevin De Bruyne misplaced a pass after 20 minutes, it was precisely three seconds before he won it back. Two of Kyle Walker's cross-field passes went astray in the first half and, on the second occasion, he was visibly angry with himself. This attention to the tiny details during a game when City's players had 77 percent possession illustrates perfectly how they have been schooled to take care of their individual performances for the good of the group.
Negatives
A lack of accuracy against a home side unwilling or unable to get out of their own half meant a slender lead was successfully put under pressure for an all-hands-on-deck last 15 minutes, when City should already have been out of sight.
Manager rating out of 10
8 -- A snapshot of how Pep Guardiola's mind works: captain and centre-back Vincent Kompany, injured once again, was replaced by striker Gabriel Jesus. This occurred after 10 minutes of an away match. This is the attitude that certain other managers in the Premier League, who constantly bemoan their lot, might like to adapt occasionally.
Player ratings (1-10, 10 = best, players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)
GK Ederson, 7 -- First meaningful touch did not occur until the quarter hour mark and, for a man who hails from Sao Paolo, a city enjoying near 30 degree heat this month, a watching brief in zero-degree temperature can't have been easy.
DF Kyle Walker, 6 -- Visibly unhappy with his contribution in the first half and rightly so, as two cross-field passes flew wide of their target. A strange flying attempt at a clearance got nowhere near the ball for Newcastle's main first-half chance, but he was active in the scary end to the game.
DF Vincent Kompany, NR -- Looked to have stretched something and was lost to the match after just 10 minutes. Will he be lost to the game in general soon?
DF Nicolas Otamendi, 9 -- Another immense performance from a player so improved it is tempting to check if it's the same person. Started the game with a little shimmy to make space to advance and shoot, cleared off the line heroically and marshalled an ever-changing backline expertly and safely.
DF Danilo, 7 -- Chose the right ball more often than not in a secure performance that involved the curious skill -- for a defender -- of winning several fouls against him in defensive challenges.
MF Fernandinho, 8 -- Cool head in front of the back four, in the back four and then again in front of the back four, as he was shifted around to suit the team's needs. Does a sterling job every week without getting the plaudits he deserves.
MF Kevin De Bruyne, 8 -- Very active start, with some deft early touches. Two jabbed balls over the defence -- a little like golf shots -- set up the goal for Raheem Sterling and a near miss for Gabriel Jesus. Hit the post too, taking -- perhaps unusually for him -- one touch too many before shooting.
MF Ilkay Gundogan, 8 -- Always looking to play a combination of simple passes and courageous forward balls. Constantly looking behind before receiving to adjudge exactly the space he has. Lively and pivotal performer in the tight middle spaces.
MF, Bernardo Silva, 6 -- Game of little action as the ball flooded down the other flank. Largely inaccurate when he did get an occasional pass.
MF Raheem Sterling, 8 -- An increasingly important player, as City used the left flank to good purpose. Fantastic quick change of feet to score with his left as De Bruyne's ball dropped in between his ankles.
FW, Sergio Aguero, 7 -- Chief culprit in City's wastefulness but couldn't be faulted for effort and perseverance.
Substitutes
FW Gabriel Jesus, 7 - Some deft touches and nice ideas that mainly did not come off. Full of flicks and back-heels, but more importantly on this occasion, full of running to chase down opposition defenders
DF Eliaquim Mangala, NR -- On after 76 minutes. Confident cameo at the back under increasing pressure. One dummy and shift inside to dispatch his pass showed how far he too has advanced under Guardiola.
MF Leroy Sane, NR -- On for ineffective Bernardo Silva, but little chance to shine as Newcastle pressed for final minutes.