Omar Marmoush scored his first Manchester City goals with a first-half hat-trick as Pep Guardiola’s side cruised to a 4-0 victory over Newcastle, returning to the Premier League’s top four on Saturday.
The Egyptian forward was in scintillating form as City bounced back from their midweek Champions League collapse, where they lost 3-2 at home to Real Madrid.
The English champions face a daunting task in Wednesday’s second leg in Spain, needing a comeback to reach the last 16 for a 12th consecutive season. However, Marmoush’s stunning performance provided optimism as Newcastle were dismantled inside 33 minutes.
The match was expected to showcase a battle between Premier League top scorers Erling Haaland and Alexander Isak, but both were upstaged by City’s new January signing.
The 26-year-old, who had scored 20 goals for Eintracht Frankfurt this season before his £59 million move, wasted no time making his mark in English football.
Guardiola made six changes, including Marmoush, as he rotated between the two crucial Madrid clashes.
City’s opener came courtesy of goalkeeper Ederson, who atoned for his midweek errors by launching a long pass over Newcastle’s defence. Kieran Trippier misjudged the flight, allowing Marmoush to lob the stranded Martin Dúbravka.
That goal extended City’s streak of scoring in 33 consecutive Premier League games against Newcastle.
Marmoush doubled the lead five minutes later, cutting inside after receiving Ilkay Gündogan’s pass and seeing his deflected shot nestle in the bottom corner.
Savinho’s electric pace on the right caused constant problems, and the Brazilian set up Marmoush’s third by skipping past Lewis Hall and squaring for an easy finish.
City’s defensive frailties were never tested as Newcastle, now seventh, suffered another setback in their bid for a Champions League place. Eddie Howe’s men have lost three of their last four league games.
Guardiola’s side, meanwhile, strengthened their grip on a top-four spot despite a drop in form that will likely see their run of four consecutive league titles end.
James McAtee added a fourth six minutes from time, turning in Haaland’s flick-on from a Gündogan corner.
However, there was concern for City as Haaland was forced off late on after receiving treatment for a knee injury.