Without Erling Haaland, Manchester City still did not have too much difficulty in defeating Newcastle United 3-1 in the 5th round of the FA Cup, thereby winning a ticket to the quarter-finals for the eighth consecutive year.
Coach Pep Guardiola made up to 10 changes in the squad, even leaving key striker Haaland at home. However, Man City's rotation squad still showed strength when they made an impressive comeback. Omar Marmoush scored a double, while Savinho also scored a goal to help the away team win.
Man City faced many difficulties against Newcastle's strong pressing in the first 30 minutes. The home team even took the lead, before Savinho's equalizing goal right before halftime helped Man City change the course of the match.
After the break, Marmoush shined with two goals, including a beautiful long-range shot from about 20m, sealing a 3-1 victory and bringing Man City to the quarter-finals.
This victory helps The Citizens increase their FA Cup record to 19 wins in the last 21 matches, losing only 2 finals in 2024 and 2025. With that form, Guardiola's team can completely aim for a third consecutive appearance in the final at Wembley.
After the match, Guardiola expressed his satisfaction: "Except for the first 15-20 minutes - which usually happens when facing Newcastle - we controlled the match very well. I am really satisfied with the way the team played, both attacking and defending.
The most outstanding performance belonged to Marmoush. Two goals against Newcastle increased the total number of goals scored by the Egyptian striker against this opponent to 7 goals. Even half of his 14 goals for Man City in all competitions were scored against Eddie Howe's team.
Guardiola also praised his student: "Marmoush is a top striker. His finishing ability is the greatest quality, especially in the second goal".
Guardiola's strong rotation decision once caused Man City to lose to Bayer Leverkusen in November, but this time he succeeded. The Spanish coach affirmed that rotation is necessary when the team has to play on many fronts.
The returns of key players such as Nico Gonzalez, Jeremy Doku, John Stones and Nathan Ake after injury also help Man City's squad become thicker.
That means Guardiola can keep many key stars in good form for the important upcoming Champions League match against Real Madrid.
Haaland, Ruben Dias, Bernardo Silva and Rodri are likely to return to the starting lineup at Santiago Bernabeu, while Marmoush is also competing for a starting spot after an impressive performance against Newcastle.
Guardiola once said Man City's goal is to survive in all four competitions until March with a healthy squad. And as the season enters a decisive stage, it seems that what he wants is gradually becoming a reality.
