Bernardo Silva's double sees Man City defeat Newcastle to advance to FA Cup semi-finals

Holders Manchester City advanced to the FA Cup semi-finals with two deflected goals from Bernardo Silva in a 2-0 victory over a lackluster Newcastle United at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.

City made five changes from the team that started last weekend's 1-1 Premier League draw with Liverpool and advanced to the competition's semi-finals for the sixth season in a row, with Newcastle providing little resistance.

City took the lead in the 13th minute when Silva's shot deflected off Newcastle defender Dan Burn, wrong-footing keeper Martin Dubravka and looping into the goal.

The home side went ahead 2-0 in the 31st minute, with Portuguese playmaker Silva cutting in from the right and shooting, this time with Sven Botman's head assisting in steering the ball past Dubravka.

Alexander Isak nearly pulled one back in the 36th minute, but Stefan Ortega saved the Swedish striker's bouncing shot. It proved to be Newcastle's only shot on goal in the game.

Eddie Howe lost patience with his stuttering team and made four substitutions shortly after the hour mark, and while the introduction of Miguel Almiron provided the visitors with a much-needed injection of creativity in their attack, the home side quickly re-adjusted.

Erling Haaland and Jeremy Doku both had several chances to score, but manager Pep Guardiola will be unconcerned because his team dominated the visitors from start to finish.

"The team played well, we did exactly what the coach wanted us to do and we scored some nice goals, we scored some important goals, we defended well, we attacked well, so very happy," Doku told the BBC.

"We were in control but you never know, you always have to be careful with counter-attacks... but I think the defenders did very well and we came back to help them as well," he added.

City will join Coventry City, who shocked Wolverhampton Wanderers 3-2 earlier in the day, in the semi-final draw, which will take place following Sunday's remaining quarter-final ties between Chelsea and Leicester City and Manchester United and Liverpool.

Newcastle's defeat ends any hopes of winning silverware this season.

SportsLigue