Man City 2-0 Newcastle
by Harry de Cosemo
at City of Manchester Stadium

WHEN Manchester City face Newcastle United, it can be tempting to create a narrative about the two richest clubs in England locking horns.

Too often, though, one state-owned club teaches the other how far they’ve got to go, and that was the case again as Bernardo Silva’s first half double booked yet another Wembley FA Cup semi-final appearance.

City’s Abu Dhabi project is 13 years senior to Newcastle’s under the stewardship of the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund, and that gulf in time, money and effort told again.

Newcastle are vastly improved since the new owners arrived, perspective is always needed. But for all their huff and puff, City blew their house down without really extending themselves. Nearly 8,000 Geordies were dreaming of more cup heroics, but it never felt likely.

Magpies boss Eddie Howe is remaining defiant and says the season isn’t over yet.

“We have a responsibility in the final 10 games to build and be the most competitive team we can be,” he said.

“There will be no negativity from me. We know the importance of representing the club.

“European qualification is our aim. There is a huge amount to play for. If people say our season is over, that is absolute nonsense. We are trying to get our form back and finish our season in a positive way. We can take that into next season.”

Newcastle started well, pressing in good intervals and getting quite high up the pitch, but they went behind after 13 minutes through Silva’s deflected effort.

The Portuguese midfielder wandered freely into the area before his strike at goal was sent looping over Martin Dubravka by Dan Burn’s outstretched leg.

City looked to turn the screw almost instantly. Jeremy Doku’s pace was causing all sorts of problems, and Erling Haaland’s first sniff of a chance was thwarted by Dubravka.

There was clear intent from the visitors, but their limitations were obvious. Just past the half-hour mark, Silva made it 2-0 with an eerily similar goal, only this time his curling shot was deflected in off Sven Botman’s head.

Both goals were incredibly soft, but Newcastle needed to take chances when they came as well. They squandered their only sight of goal before half-time, when Stefan Ortega pushed Alexander Isak’s shot wide. He really ought to have done better.

City started the second half with intent, creating three opportunities inside 10 minutes. First, Doku forced Dubravka into a strong save, before Haaland powered through and fired wide and Josko Gvardiol fired over.

Eddie Howe made four substitutions, and there were signs of fight in the moments that followed. One of the introductions, Miguel Almiron, drove forward and found Isak in the area, but his touch let him down and again a chance to halve the deficit passed him by, summing up a very flat evening for the Magpies.

City boss Pep Guardiola praised his side for still being in contention for a full treble defence with the run-in in sight.

“After we won the treble, and five titles, we’re coming to the international break with two months left and to be in contention for all the titles means a lot.”