Manchester City smoothly sailed into the FA Cup semi-finals with a commanding win over a weary and underwhelming Newcastle United side at the Etihad Stadium.
Pep Guardiola’s team remains in the running to replicate last season’s historic Treble of Champions League, Premier League, and FA Cup, and they encountered minimal resistance on a rain-soaked evening in Manchester.
They became the first team in FA Cup history to reach six consecutive semi-finals and have advanced to the last four in seven of Guardiola’s eight seasons in charge.
City asserted their dominance with a two-goal advantage by halftime on Saturday, although both goals had an element of luck. Despite this, they showcased their superiority with 75% possession.
The opener came when Bernardo Silva’s shot deflected off Dan Burn’s outstretched leg and looped over Newcastle keeper Martin Dubravka after 13 minutes. The second goal, just after the half-hour mark, saw Silva’s effort redirected into the net by the head of defender Sven Botman.
Newcastle’s best opportunity arrived when Alexander Isak’s shot was saved by City goalkeeper Stefan Ortega in the first half.
However, it was an otherwise comfortable evening for City as they prepare for another trip to Wembley. In contrast, Eddie Howe must now focus on preventing what has been a disappointing season from ending on a whimper.
Easy night for Man City
Pep Guardiola’s determination to secure another FA Cup was evident in the strength of his starting lineup. Despite the challenging weather conditions, City achieved the desired result, positioning themselves for another semi-final appearance at Wembley.
While City didn’t showcase their usual sparkling performance in the downpour, they didn’t need to exert themselves fully against Newcastle’s timid challenge. Bernardo Silva emerged as City’s hero, benefiting from crucial deflections to effectively seal the game by halftime.
Bernardo Silva emerged as City’s hero, benefiting from two crucial deflections to effectively seal the victory by halftime.
City had opportunities to increase their lead without exerting themselves, with Jeremy Doku’s shot saved by Dubravka. Erling Haaland, usually prolific, had an off night, but his hard work earned him a standing ovation when he was substituted late in the game.
Guardiola will now be hoping that City’s players emerge unscathed from the international break ahead of their crucial clash with Premier League leaders Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium on 31 March.
Newcastle on the slide
Newcastle’s loss signifies that even the hope stirred by a Wembley appearance in an FA Cup semi-final is out of reach for them in a season that is quickly turning into a major disappointment.
There are mitigating factors, with Newcastle manager Howe contending with a significant number of injuries. Key players like Kieran Trippier, Joelinton, goalkeeper Nick Pope, Callum Wilson, and the suspended Sandro Tonali were all unavailable, along with defender Tino Livramento, who was a late withdrawal due to injury.
Despite these challenges, Newcastle’s performance lacked vigor and confidence, showing little belief that they could challenge City once the hosts gained control of the match.
Although Isak missed a crucial chance in the first half, the second half unfolded as a mere formality, almost resembling a testimonial match as Newcastle resigned themselves to defeat and City conservatively managed their energy.
Newcastle currently occupies 10th place in the Premier League, with an outside shot at qualifying for European football next season. However, they will need to significantly improve their performances to achieve this goal.
Their current decline stands in stark contrast to the early excitement of this season’s Champions League campaign on Tyneside, a memory that now seems distant.