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Match Report and Player Ratings: Manchester City 2-0 Newcastle United (FA Cup Quarter-Final)

Published:

19:35

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19:35

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Manchester City continued their defence of the treble by advancing to the semi-finals of the FA Cup at the expense of Newcastle United.

Pep Guardiola’s men were too good for their Geordie visitors and ran out 2-0 winners at the Etihad Stadium.

Bernardo Silva was the first-half difference-maker with a brace, and Manchester City were able to see out their advantage in the second period.

After a free-flowing and frenzied start to the match, City’s first spell of sustained possession drew the opening goal just after the 10 minute mark, with Bernardo Silva allowed to wander to the edge of the box and seeing his strike take a double deflection off of Dan Burn and Joe Willock, looping over Martin Dubravka and in.

Newcastle stepped up their efforts thereafter but couldn’t force any clear openings, and Silva made them pay with a second deflected strike, this time brushing Sven Botman’s head and trundling past the outstretched Dubravka.

The Magpies’ finest chance came just after the 2-0 goal, but Stefan Ortega remained sharp to save after Dan Burn had knocked it down to Aleksander Isak.

Jeremy Doku was a constant thorn in the visitors’ side in the opening period and he twice came close to adding a third goal either side half-time, both times drawing good saves from the Newcastle keeper.

The second-half was a game of few chances, instead an exercise in control from the Blues to see the game out.

It was a match in which City’s “control” players impressed, with Rodri, Mateo Kovacic, Phil Foden and Bernardo Silva all thriving in the possession play.

One point of concern will be over the fitness of Erling Haaland, with the Norwegian seemingly struggling with a shoulder problem prior to being replaced by Julian Alvarez in the closing stages.

The Blues will join Coventry City in the draw for the semi-finals, and will find out tomorrow which two of Chelsea, Leicester City, Manchester United and Liverpool will complete the Wembley line-up.

Player Ratings

Stefan Ortega – 7

Made a questionable pass out or two, but proved his worth with a first-half stop to deny Isak.

Kyle Walker – 7

An adventurous showing with plenty of overlapping, although the quality of his crossing could have been a little better. Not much defending to do.

Ruben Dias – 7.5

Displayed his bravery to lure in the Newcastle press then break the lines with a drive or a pass.

Manuel Akanji – 8

A man in form at the back, and he was masterful once again to snaffle every bouncing ball and effectively shut down Isak.

Josko Gvardiol – 7

Like Walker, he was never afraid to raid down the wing, picking out a series of nice incisive passes.

Rodri – 8

Aside from instance of being count on a counter-attack, it was another dominant midfield performance. His ability to pick up second balls is uncanny.

Mateo Kovacic – 8.5

Brilliant. Defensive work, close control, pinpoint passing, driving runs, the lot from the Croatian.

Bernardo Silva – 8.5 (MOTM)

Got those strokes of luck that his two goals were diverted in via deflections, but got through enough hard work and mastery of the ball to earn his fortune.

Phil Foden – 8

Revelled his return to the central role, showing off his full array of turns and flicks in the half-spaces.

Jeremy Doku – 7.5

Much like what we’ve seen from Doku throughout this season; at times outrageously quick feet to terrorise his opponents, but without that killer end product to wrap it up. He was the tormentor-in-chief in the opening period though.

Erling Haaland – 7.5

An unusual one from him; involved and impressive in the passing play and buildup, but nothing fell his way in front of goal.

Substitutes:

Oscar Bobb – 6.5

A few decent drives with the ball.

Julian Alvarez – N/A

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