Manchester City cruised into the FA Cup semi-finals with a routine win against Newcastle.
While there was more than a touch of fortune about both of Bernardo Silva’s goals, Pep Guardiola’s side were well worth their victory thanks to another dominant display at the Etihad Stadium.
City opened the scoring with 13 minutes on the clock. After taking Rodri’s pass, Silva was allowed to stroll into the area with his shot deflecting off the outstretched leg of Dan Burn and in.
It was then a real case of deja vu on the half hour when a second Silva effort found the back of the net, this time via the head of Magpies defender Sven Botman.
The visitors nearly had a goal back 10 minutes before the break but Stefan Ortega produced a fine save to keep out Alexander Isak’s shot from a towering Burn knockdown. But it was City who kept pushing as the first half drew to a close, Phil Foden and Jeremy Doku both having good sights of goal.
There was no let up for Eddie Howe’s men after the interval with Doku seeing a strike well saved by Martin Dubravka and Erling Haaland firing narrowly wide after a driving run.
Howe made a quadruple change just after the hour but his side never threatened to change the pattern of play and in truth, City strolled through a second period low on incident. It means they head back to Wembley with yet another trophy in their sights.
1. Stefan Ortega 7
Excellent save from Isak ensured City had a two-goal lead at the break. Assured display.
2. Kyle Walker 7
Showed his customary energy up and down the right.
3. Ruben Dias 8
Early interception denied Isak a big chance before he saw a header saved late in the first half. One surprising turn and run had the crowd on their feet in the second half.
4. Manuel Akanji 8
Snuffed out more than one dangerous moment and his sublime through ball nearly created a goal for Doku.