Manchester City recovered from an early setback to beat Newcastle 3-1 and reach the FA Cup quarter-finals, overturning a first-half deficit despite making 10 changes for the fifth-round tie.
Harvey Barnes gave Newcastle a bright start, converting a Sandro Tonali through ball into the top corner for his first goal in 13 games. Newcastle continued to threaten early on, with Nick Woltemade heading against the post and James Trafford spilling a save before a goalmouth clearance prevented a second.
City responded through Savinho and Omar Marmoush. Jeremy Doku’s low cross created chaos in the six-yard box; Lewis Hall miscued a clearance and Savinho prodded home to level. City pressed for more before half-time — Tijjani Reijnders fired narrowly wide, Nico O’Reilly missed a chance from Aaron Ramsdale’s error, and Savinho had a close-range effort blocked.
Shortly after the break Matheus Nunes played a low pass into the box for Marmoush, who tucked the finish home to give City the lead. Marmoush then sealed the win with a powerful strike from just outside the area to make it 3-1. The Egyptian, who also scored twice against Newcastle in the Carabao Cup earlier this season, finished strongly and ended any hope of a Newcastle comeback.
Pep Guardiola praised the display as one of City’s best performances at St James’ Park during his time at the club and celebrated the decisive third goal on the touchline. Marmoush said the team showed mentality and passion and that he was delighted to help with the goals.
Eddie Howe acknowledged Newcastle’s positive start but admitted his side could not sustain the energy and intensity required, adding that there is little time to dwell on the defeat ahead of a major upcoming match for the club.
FA Cup quarter-final picture:
– Already through: Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City.
– Still to play: Fulham vs Southampton, Port Vale vs Sunderland, Leeds vs Norwich, West Ham vs Brentford.
Team news highlights:
– Manchester City made 10 changes from their last line-up; only Matheus Nunes kept his place. Erling Haaland was not in the squad.
– Newcastle made four changes; Will Osula started after his recent heroics against Manchester United and Nick Woltemade returned from illness.
With the win City remain strong contenders across multiple competitions and head to Real Madrid on Wednesday. Newcastle must quickly refocus as they prepare to host Barcelona in the Champions League last-16 on Tuesday. City will discover their FA Cup quarter-final opponents in Monday night’s draw.