NEWCASTLE, England: Omar Marmoush scored twice as Manchester City came from behind to beat Newcastle United 3-1 and reach the FA Cup quarter-finals for the eighth consecutive season on Wednesday.
The victory ensured that Pep Guardiola’s squad remained on track to make a fourth consecutive appearance in the FA Cup final, as well as maintaining their chances of winning four trophies this season.
“This is our best performance in this stadium in my decade here,” Guardiola told TNT Sports .
“That’s consistency and that’s why I’m proud.”
Newcastle started the match well when Harvey Barnes received a beautiful pass before firing into the corner of the goal in the 18th minute to put the hosts ahead.
City, who are also seven-time FA Cup winners, then regained control of the game and equalized in the 39th minute through Savinho.
The goal came in a unique situation when Jeremy Doku’s pass passed over the defence before the ball hit Savinho’s foot and bounced into the goal.
Marmoush scored his first goal in the 47th minute after Matheus Nunes sent a flicked ball across the goal before the Egyptian striker blasted a shot into the roof of the net.
He completed his second goal in the 65th minute in almost the same way when he received Nunes’ cross before shooting hard.
The opportunity for him to score a hat-trick was thwarted when Guardiola took off Marmoush shortly afterwards and was replaced by Antoine Semenyo.
The City manager, who looked so enthusiastic on the sidelines throughout the match, also hugged Marmoush as the player headed to the bench.
“It was a good performance even though we didn’t start perfectly,” Marmoush told TNT Sports.
“We conceded an early goal but showed mentality and spirit in midfield… we are happy to be through to the next round.”
Guardiola made 10 changes for the fifth round match compared to the team that drew 2-2 with Nottingham Forest last Wednesday.
City’s main striker, Erling Haaland, is not listed in the squad ahead of a busy schedule including the Champions League last 16 match against Real Madrid next Wednesday.
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe felt his players were tired in the second half.
“Maybe our energy ran out, especially in the second half and also at the end of the first half.
“They really put pressure on us. You have to admit they are a very good team.”