Marmoush double sends Manchester City past Newcastle into FA Cup Quarter-Finals
Manchester City produced a strong second-half response to defeat Newcastle United 3–1 at St James’ Park, booking their place in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.
Two goals from Omar Marmoush proved decisive as Pep Guardiola’s side overturned an early Newcastle lead and maintained their impressive record against Eddie Howe’s team in domestic cup competitions.
The victory also continued City’s dominance over Newcastle this season after already eliminating them from the EFL Cupearlier in the campaign.
Newcastle start brightly at St James’ Park
The home side began the match with intensity, pushing City onto the defensive in the opening minutes.
Harvey Barnes nearly opened the scoring early on but saw his effort blocked by a crucial intervention from defender Abdukodir Khusanov. Moments later, Nick Woltemade came close with a header that was cleared off the line by Nico González.
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Newcastle’s aggressive approach paid off in the 18th minute. Barnes collected a well-weighted pass from Sandro Tonali, cut inside from the left flank and curled a superb strike into the top corner, giving Newcastle a deserved lead and energising the home crowd.
City respond before the break
Despite falling behind, Manchester City gradually settled into the match and began to impose their possession-based style. The equaliser arrived six minutes before halftime.
A dangerous cross from Jérémy Doku travelled across the penalty area toward the far post, where Savinho arrived to convert from close range, beating goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale despite the keeper getting a hand to the ball.
The goal shifted momentum in City’s favour heading into the interval.
Marmoush completes the comeback
Manchester City wasted little time after the restart in taking control. Just two minutes into the second half, Matheus Nunes surged into the penalty area and cut the ball back toward the centre. Ramsdale managed to get a touch, but the loose ball fell perfectly for Marmoush, who calmly fired into the net to put City ahead.
The Egyptian forward continued to pose problems for Newcastle’s defence throughout the match and later added his second goal to secure the victory.
Marmoush making a case for more minutes
While much of Manchester City’s attacking spotlight has been on Erling Haaland this season, Marmoush’s performance highlighted his growing importance to Guardiola’s squad.
The forward has now scored seven goals in five appearances against Newcastle in all competitions, meaning half of his goals for Manchester City have come against Eddie Howe’s side. Such efficiency could influence Guardiola’s attacking options during the final stretch of the season.
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