Guardiola Hails Manchester City’s Best Performance At St James Parknewsline24

-myKhel Team

Manchester City reached the FA Cup quarter-finals with a 3-1 comeback win over Newcastle United at St. James’ Park, a display Pep Guardiola described as the team’s best there, as Omar Marmoush struck twice in the second half to overturn an early Harvey Barnes goal.

The victory extends Manchester City’s strong FA Cup record under Guardiola, with the club reaching the last eight in nine of ten campaigns since 2016, while this season also sees City defeat Newcastle in both domestic cups, adding to previous four-win seasons against Plymouth Argyle, West Ham and Chelsea.

Newcastle went ahead after 18 minutes when Harvey Barnes produced a powerful effort that rewarded early pressure, yet Manchester City responded before half-time as Savinho converted a low cross from Jeremy Doku, then two minutes after the restart Marmoush finished past Aaron Ramsdale before adding a second in the 65th minute.

That double means Marmoush now has seven goals in five games against Newcastle in all competitions, and half of Marmoush’s 14 Manchester City goals come against the same opponent, underlining a clear pattern that may strengthen Marmoush’s case for more starts as the 2025-26 season intensifies.

Guardiola highlighted the contribution of Savinho and Doku, whose direct running and decision-making repeatedly troubled Newcastle, while City also showed control in midfield and composure after falling behind, maintaining a high tempo that limited Newcastle’s counter-attacks and protected a defence that looked more secure as the tie progressed.

“It was so good. When we tried to make a sequence of passes, we and especially Savinho and Jeremy Doku. They were so decisive, Guardiola told TNT Sports. This was the best performance I have seen from us in this stadium during our time together here. Really, really good. We played really, really good. It was important to score in the first minute of the second half. After that, until the end, it was really goodthe defending and the midfield, in generaleveryone. Happy for Omar, a fantastic second goal. To beat Newcastle you have to perform very well, especially in the FA Cup.”

Manchester City FA Cup numbers vs Newcastle United

Manchester City’s dominance of Newcastle across competitions this season includes league meetings and EFL Cup elimination, with this FA Cup result adding a fourth win, matching club records from 1988-89, 2013-14 and 2022-23 when City also defeated the same side four times in a single campaign.

Marmoush again proved decisive at St. James’ Park with two composed finishes, and with Manchester City competing for four trophies in 2025-26, Guardiola may rely more on Marmoush’s movement and clinical record, particularly given the forward’s habit of scoring in high-pressure matches against Premier League opponents.

“Amazing performance, Marmoush added. We didn’t start so well, and we conceded, but we showed that mentality and passion on the pitch, but we are happy to go to the next round. I am very happy to help the team with the goals, and we will keep going. I don’t know what the secret is, but I am happy to help the team again.”

Manchester City now advance with momentum from both the result and performance, having responded strongly to a difficult start, and Guardiola’s side carries an impressive FA Cup record, consistent success over Newcastle and growing influence from Marmoush into the latter stages of a crowded 2025-26 campaign.

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