Micah Richards names ‘outstanding’ Man City player in FA Cup win over Newcastle United

Micah Richards hailed Manchester City as a “machine” following their 2-0 FA Cup win over Newcastle United.

A first-half brace from Bernardo Silva ensured Pep Guardiola’s men booked their place in another Wembley semi-final next month. City are aiming for consecutive trebles - an unprecedented feat in world football.

It took just 13 minutes for the Portuguese maestro to break the deadlock - before doubling the advantage after half an hour. Although both strikes were deflected, there was no luck involved regarding the result as City dominated from start to finish.

A two-week international break allows City to rest up ahead of a mammoth Premier League clash with Arsenal on March 31. Speaking after the Newcastle win, former defender Richards hailed Phil Foden as “outstanding” - while also paying tribute to Jeremy Doku and Erling Haaland.

“They didn't have to be (at their best),” he told BBC Sport. “Like the guys said, total control, organisation and all know their jobs. Doku had a really good game. Foden, outstanding. Haaland never got his goal but he tried and tried. They’re just a machine, aren't they?

“The way they are able to put these runs together. There's just so much quality within this squad and they keep doing it.”

Newcastle legend Alan Shearer also conceded that City were deserved winners. He said: “It was decided by two lucky goals! They were much the better team. I think the simple truth is they are better than Newcastle in every position.

“That’s where Newcastle want to get to, that’s the standard. They tried, (I have) no problem with the attitude. They just lacked that bit of quality in terms of the opposition they were against.”