Omar Marmoush scored twice as Manchester City beat Newcastle to reach the FA Cup quarter finals for the eighth consecutive season.
Newcastle struck first through Harvey Barnes in the 18th minute. However, Manchester City equalized before the break when Savinho equalised in unusual fashion after Jeremy Doku’s ball through the defence ricocheted in off the Brazilian.
Omar Marmoush then turned the tide early in the second half, firing City ahead in the 47th minute from a Matheus Nunes cutback before adding his second in the 65th, again from Nunes’ delivery.
Not long after, Pep Guardiola withdrew the Egyptian, denying him a shot at a hat-trick, but not before embracing him on the touchline after a decisive display.
Guardiola called it “the best performance” City have produced at Newcastle during his time at the club. The City manager had rotated heavily, making 10 changes from the side that drew with Nottingham Forest in midweek.
For his part, Marmoush has once again proven to be a thorn in Newcastle’s side with his latest brace, adding to his remarkable tally against the Magpies. Since joining City, he has netted 7 goals in just 5 encounters with Newcastle. This season alone, he has already scored four times against them, including a double at the Carabao Cup just last month.
Speaking after the match, Marmoush focused on City’s response after a slow start. “We showed our mentality and our passion,” he said, as City overcame an early deficit and a lively opening from Newcastle to take control of the tie.
For Newcastle, the defeat ended another domestic cup run before the latter stages. Eddie Howe admitted his side faded as the game wore on, especially after halftime.