Manchester City cruised into the FA Cup semi-finals with a comfortable 2-0 victory over a jaded and disappointing Newcastle United at Etihad Stadium.
Pep Guardiola’s side remain in contention to repeat last season’s historic Treble of Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup, and were barely troubled on a rain-lashed night in Manchester.
They are the first side in FA Cup history to reach six successive FA Cup semi-finals, and have reached the last four in seven of Guardiola’s eight campaigns in charge.
City were in control with a two-goal lead by the break on Saturday, and although both goals had an element of good fortune, they reflected a half in which the holders were dominant with 75% possession.
First, Bernardo Silva’s shot was deflected up and over Newcastle keeper Martin Dubravka by Dan Burn’s outstretched leg after 13 minutes, then the Portuguese’s effort went in via the head of defender Sven Botman just after the half hour.
Newcastle’s best chance came when Alexander Isak’s first-half shot was saved by keeper Stefan Ortega.
But it was an otherwise stress-free night for City as they head to Wembley once more, while Eddie Howe must now try to ensure what has been a season of under-achievement does not fizzle out into a timid conclusion.
Pep Guardiola’s desire to win another FA Cup was illustrated by the strength of his starting line-up.
They delivered the desired outcome, and City can now contemplate another Wembley semi-final after a night when their main discomfort was the horrendous weather, with the match being played out in a torrential downpour.
City were not at their sparkling best in difficult conditions – but they did not need to be, or indeed have to be anywhere near top gear to dispose of Newcastle. They simply never needed to extend themselves in the face of Newcastle’s timid challenge.
Bernardo Silva was City’s match-winner, although he was strongly assisted by those two crucial deflections to effectively put the game to bed by half-time.
Elsewhere,
Coventry City stunned Wolverhampton Wanderers 3-2 to reach the FA Cup semi-finals for only the second time in their history thanks to two stoppage-time goals at Molineux.
The Championship side led through Ellis Simms’ strike until the 83rd minute before falling 2-1 behind after Wolves’ own dramatic comeback.
But Simms scored again to equalise in the 97th minute and Haji Wright curled in three minutes later to spark wild celebrations.
Mark Robins’ men thought their dreams of becoming the first team from outside the top flight to win the FA Cup since 1980 had been dashed when Rayan Ait-Nouri and substitute Hugo Bueno struck in the final seven minutes in response to Simms’ controversial opener.
But from nowhere, Simms got his second when he turned home Bobby Thomas’ flick at the far post.
