MATCH REPORT AND PLAYER RATINGS - MANCHESTER CITY 1-0 NEWCASTLE UNITED

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Julian Alvarez's first half strike was enough for Manchester City to beat a tough Newcastle United side, in the first game at the Etihad Stadium since the Blues won the treble.

Despite missing a few key players, in the shape of John Stones, Bernardo Silva and, for the long term, Kevin de Bruyne, City put in a fluid and dominating performance over their opponents, who will likely challenge for the Premier League title this season.

They controlled the game well, averaging 60% possession across the game, but struggled to create chances in the opening stages. Newcastle defended narrowly, meaning there was space for Kyle Walker on the right and Jack Grealish on the left, but not in the penalty area.

City broke through just after the 30 minute mark, as the impressive Phil Foden controlled a through ball from the equally impressive Mateo Kovacic, and laid the ball off to Alvarez, who was in plenty of space, thanks to the fact Erling Haaland was attracting two Newcastle defenders.

The Argentine attacker then unleashed a fantastic effort, which clipped the hand of Nick Pope before nestling in the top corner. It was the first goal of the season for City's number 19, who'll be hoping for plenty more game time this season, particularly in De Bruyne's absence.

They had a few more chances in the second half, with Foden and Haaland both testing Pope between the sticks. The Norwegian, in particular, had a few chances to score from difficult angles, and would've expected to have scored at least one of them.

Newcastle, meanwhile, were limited to very few sniffs of Ederson's goal. Their biggest chance came after a rare Rodri mistake, leaving a 3 vs 1 situation for the Magpies.

Thankfully, Josko Gvardiol, making his full Premier League debut, stood strong at the back to slow down Newcastle's attack and make a tame effort from the edge of the box a few seconds later to be their only shot on target.

Tactically, we saw yet another interesting tactic from Guardiola. Without the ball, City lined up with a back 4 of Walker-Dias-Akanji-Gvardiol, from right to left, and they pressed in man to man marking system, meaning we saw Grealish drop back into left wing back often to mark Kieran Trippier.

With the ball, City built up with 2, and not 3, as Walker pushed high and wide, and Manuel Akanji pushed into midfield. Foden drifted in from the right flank, and Alvarez supported him in offering creative options for Haaland.

If that confuses you - and I don't blame you if it does - City's formation with the ball looked somewhat like this:

Ederson

Dias Gvardiol

Rodri

Kovacic Akanji

Walker Foden Alvarez Grealish

Haaland

Overall, it was a very solid performance from City, with many players who were under par in the super cup, namely Foden, Gvardiol, Walker, Grealish and Akanji, performing much better against Eddie Howe's side.

With Bernardo, Stones, and likely at least one more signing set to add to the squad soon, things are currently very positive at City, and they remain the favourites to win the lot again.

Here are the player ratings after the excellent victory against the Toon:

Ederson - 7/10 - Had very little to do, facing just the 1 shot on target. His distribution was brilliant; he played numerous accurate long passes, particularly to Walker on the right wing.

Walker - 8/10 - Supported the attack relentlessly, meaning the dangerous Anthony Gordon's main influence on the game came through his defensive work. Defensively, he was solid as always, and despite his high position, was rarely caught out.

Dias - 8/10 - The influence this man has on the defence is simply remarkable. He raises the game of every other player, and performs incredibly well in his own right too. For me, he should be in contention to be City's next captain, a role he would thrive in.

Akanji - 8.5/10 - I owe Manuel Akanji a huge apology. I criticised his performance against Sevilla, and said him in the defence/midfield hybrid role wouldn't work. Last night, he was nothing short of fantastic, playing the role like he'd done it his whole life. A fantastic performance from a truly under appreciated player.

Gvardiol - 8.5/10 - On his home debut, Gvardiol showed great signs of improvement at the heart of City's defence. His ability to control and pass the ball with equal comfort on both feet makes him unique in our defensive players, and he showed great discipline to hold his ground and prevent Newcastle's 3 vs 1 from developing any further.

Rodri - 8/10 - Despite an excellent overall performance, he made a few mistakes, which could perhaps be a sign of tiredness, after a year filled with football. Perhaps it'd be wise for Guardiola to give him a few days rest now, and leave him out for Sheffield United, so the Spaniard can be fit and healthy for the upcoming season.

Alvarez - 7.5/10 - Took his goal excellently, with a powerful and accurate effort. Otherwise, the 23 year old was fairly quiet, although his high energy play and constant directness made him a threat to Newcastle's strong backline.

Kovacic - 9/10 - City have got themselves another steal. In a market where Declan Rice costs £105 million, Moises Caicedo costs £115 million and Lucas Paqueta is touted at £85 million plus Cole Palmer, Mateo Kovacic is an absolute steal at £25 million. Silky, composed and intelligent, the 29 year old is the full package, and he put in a performance of the highest quality.

Foden - 9/10 - Our number 47 has reminded everyone in world football just what a talent he is. The way he took the ball on the turn and drove at the backline was reminiscent of De Bruyne, and we'll need to see that more often from Foden, the man who I believe will be able to step up in the Belgian's absence.

Haaland - 6.5/10 - Very unfortunate not to score at least one, with the ball drifting agonisingly past the post on more than one occasion. However, by simply being on the pitch, Haaland causes damage and destruction, in the way he draws defenders in and creates space for others. Alongside Dias and Rodri, our number 9 is a player who cannot be replaced by a like for like replacement within the squad.

Grealish - 7/10 - Attacking wise, he didn't have his most prolific City game, as he was often found in deep positions to draw Trippier out. Defensively, however, he was as good as any of the defenders, and showed that he is the perfect complete Pep Guardiola player.