JUST IN: “He really gave us tough time yesterday, even Isak was unable to dribble pass Him”, Newcastle forward Murphy named the One City player 👇👇👇

He really gave us a tough time yesterday, even Isak was unable to dribble past him” – Newcastle forward Jacob Murphy on the one Manchester City player who caused problems

In the wake of Newcastle United’s heavy 4-0 defeat to Manchester City on February 15, 2025, forward Jacob Murphy offered an honest assessment of the match, focusing on the defensive challenge presented by the City players. While it was clear that City dominated the game in all areas, Murphy was particularly vocal about one player who gave their attack a serious headache: Manchester City’s towering defender, Ruben Dias.

Murphy, who has been a regular for Newcastle this season, explained that even their star striker, Alexander Isak, who has been in great form, found it almost impossible to get past the commanding presence of Dias at the back. “He really gave us a tough time yesterday, even Isak was unable to dribble past him,” Murphy admitted, acknowledging just how much of a roadblock Dias was for their offensive play.

From the outset of the match, City’s defense looked solid and well-organized, refusing to let Newcastle’s attack gain any real momentum. Despite having several promising chances, particularly with Isak’s pace and ability, the lack of space in front of goal was clear as they struggled to break through City’s defense. A key factor in this was the performances of players like Ruben Dias, who made sure that their defensive unit remained impenetrable.

For Murphy, the struggles on the field underscored the overall resilience of Manchester City’s defense. Known for their attacking flair, City’s defense has quietly been one of the cornerstones of their recent successes. It’s a unit that has been largely unappreciated in the media, but matches like this showcase just how important their defensive solidity is to the team’s overall performance.

Murphy wasn’t the only one to note the difficulties faced by Isak, whose usual fluid dribbling and clinical finishing were stifled by a disciplined and powerful defense. Despite trying to push forward with his pace, Isak could not break free from the physical dominance of Dias, who also kept an eye on any of Newcastle’s other attacking players. The presence of City’s center-backs was a constant issue, as they stayed compact, preventing any spaces from opening up for the visitors.

In fact, it wasn’t just Isak who was left frustrated. The whole of Newcastle’s attack seemed to be out of ideas when facing City’s defense. City’s pressing was relentless, and their ability to regain possession quickly added another layer of pressure on Newcastle’s forward play. When they did manage to find pockets of space, they were met with a determined Dias or an equally resolute John Stones, who complemented Dias perfectly in the heart of defense.

While the 4-0 scoreline was harsh, Newcastle did have their moments, particularly in the first half when they seemed to show signs of breaking through the City defense. However, City’s swift reactions and well-drilled defensive structure ensured that any glimmer of hope was quickly extinguished. Murphy’s frustration was evident as he reflected on the missed opportunities and how difficult it was to get anything past the City’s defenders.

Post-match, Newcastle’s coaching staff will no doubt analyze this defeat carefully. While they can take some positives from the game, particularly in terms of creating chances, the inability to break down City’s defense will be a focal point. How they plan to approach future encounters with elite defensive teams will be key as they look to build on their season.

The challenge presented by Manchester City’s defense goes beyond just their physicality; it’s also their intelligence and positioning. Ruben Dias, in particular, has become one of the most reliable and skilled defenders in the Premier League. His ability to read the game and shut down potential threats before they can materialize has been a significant part of City’s success in recent seasons.

For Manchester City, this was another statement win, with their defense continuing to showcase its resilience. They may have been known for their attacking play under Pep Guardiola, but this game was a reminder that their defensive discipline is just as important. Their ability to nullify one of the most dangerous strikers in the Premier League only added to their reputation as one of the most balanced teams in Europe.

As the season progresses, it’s clear that teams looking to challenge Manchester City will need to find ways to break through their defense. For Newcastle, this is a harsh lesson in how elite defenses can neutralize even the most potent attacks. However, the challenge now is for them to regroup, learn from the experience, and come up with strategies to improve their offensive play in future high-pressure matches.

Looking ahead, the Magpies will face more challenges against top-tier teams. They will need to develop more creative attacking solutions to deal with the kind of defense displayed by Manchester City. Whether through better movement, more intricate passing, or even changing their approach, the time is now for Newcastle to make adjustments.

As for Manchester City, their solid defense remains one of their key strengths, and with the combination of Ruben Dias, John Stones, and goalkeeper Ederson, they have a well-rounded defensive unit capable of withstanding pressure from any team. This performance will further enhance their status as the favorites for this season’s Premier League title, and potentially, for a deeper run in European competitions as well.

Murphy’s candid remarks reveal the challenges many teams face when trying to break down Manchester City’s defensive setup. With the depth and quality they have at the back, it’s clear that any team aiming to beat them will need to come up with something special to overcome their defensive resilience.

Ultimately, this match served as a reminder that Manchester City is not only a team of world-class attackers but also one of the most difficult sides to break down in the Premier League. Their defense, led by the likes of Ruben Dias, is a crucial part of their success and one that will continue to frustrate many of their opponents.