Bernardo Silva’s first-half brace saw Manchester City defeat Newcastle United 2-0 at Etihad Stadium, as Pep Guardiola’s Cityzens continued their FA Cup title defence.
Silva’s first goal came in the 13th minute via a deflection from Newcastle’s Dan Burn, before he added his second goal in the 31st minute from Sven Botman’s headed deflection.
Man City now join Coventry in the semi-final draw which will take place tomorrow (17 March) after Manchester United’s Quarter-Final tie against Liverpool at Old Trafford live on ITV1 in the UK.
Guardiola’s City also are the first team to reach the semi-finals in six consecutive seasons.
Firmly considered as the favourites coming into this meeting, Man City quickly established control and almost took an eighth minute lead, as Jeremy Doku found himself played through but Martin Dubravka made a crucial save.
City however continued to dominate possession and got their reward in the 13th minute as Rodri teed up Silva to rifle across into the left corner, albeit via a huge deflection from Burn on the way into the net.
That goal sparked some life into Newcastle but Eddie Howe’s Magpies lacked much end product, whilst their lack of defensive pressure was again punished as Ruben Dias teed up Silva to smash into the left corner which was deflected in by Botman.
Newcastle almost pulled a goal back five minutes later but Alexander Isak’s shot was blocked by Stefan Ortega.
Doku and Phil Foden wasted various chances to further extend City’s lead as Newcastle managed to keep their deficit to two goals at half-time.
If Newcastle hoped that the second half would bring better luck, they survived a massive scare just three minutes in as Doku and Foden played an one-two move into the box but the Belgian’s shot was deflected wide.
City once again settled into a prolonged period of dominance whilst Howe made four changes with Lewis Hall, Lewis Miley, Elliot Anderson and Miguel Almiron all brought on in the 62nd minute, as Newcastle fought to mount a comeback.
Almiron in particular quickly made an impact as he teed up Isak in the 66th minute but the Swede failed to take an instant shot, but instead won a corner which Botman headed over the bar.
City ultimately cruised to victory and extended their winning run in all competitions to 22 matches, having last tasted defeat in early December away at Aston Villa in the Premier League.
What’s Next?
Both Man City and Newcastle now head off on the international break for the next fortnight.
Pep Guardiola’s Cityzens however face a blockbuster home clash against Arsenal in the Premier League title race on Easter Sunday 31 March, in a 4:30pm GMT kick-off.
Newcastle meanwhile resume their push for European qualification in a crucial home clash against West Ham at St James’ Park on Easter Saturday 30 March, at 12:30pm.
Teams
Manchester City: Stefan Ortega, Kyle Walker, Manuel Akanji, Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol, Rodri, Mateo Kovacic, Phil Foden, Bernardo Silva, Jeremy Doku (Bobb 77′), Erling Haaland (Alvarez 87′)
Substitutes: John Stones, Nathan Ake, Jack Grealish, Julian Alvarez, Sergio Gomez, Matheus Nunes, Scott Carson, Oscar Bobb, Rico Lewis
Newcastle: Martin Dubravka, Fabian Schar, Jamaal Lascelles, Sven Botman (Krafth 83′), Jacob Murphy, Bruno Guimaraes, Sean Longstaff (Miley 62′), Dan Burn (Hall 62′), Anthony Gordon (Almiron 62′), Joe Willock (Anderson 62′), Alexander Isak
Substitutes: Paul Dummett, Matt Ritchie, Matt Targett, Emil Krafth, Loris Karius, Lewis Hall, Miguel Almiron, Elliot Anderson, Lewis Miley
Referee: Simon Hooper
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