Report and free match highlights
Erling Haaland hobbled off in the second period; James Mcatee added a late fourth goal; Omar Marmoush scored a hat-trick in the first half; Newcastle drops to seventh place in the Premier League, while Man City climbs to fourth.
Manchester City defeated Newcastle 4-0 at the Etihad to take the lead in the Champions League race thanks to a 14-minute hat-trick from Omar Marmoush.
City’s outstanding January acquisition won the match in the first half, and considering the two teams’ recent struggles, the score seemed a little unexpected. Man City was just as captivating as Newcastle was disastrous.
Goalie Ederson, who recorded his third assist of the season, played a 60-yard pass to Marmoush, who calmly lobbed Martin Dubravka with a measured finish to give the home team the lead as they warmed up for Wednesday’s trip to Real Madrid (19).
After five minutes, Marmoush defeated Dubravka at his near post and, with no Newcastle defender in sight, swept home from Savinho’s deft cutback to cap off an exciting first period. Eddie Howe described the performance by his team as “painful to watch.”
Newcastle collapsed with a whimper as substitute James Mcatee scored a straightforward fourth from a corner to compound the injury.
Perhaps City’s only sour note occurred shortly after Mcatee’s moment when Erling Haaland went down clutching his knee and was withdrawn, with City travelling to the Spanish capital in four days’ time to contest the second leg of their European play-off with Real.
Pep Guardiola reduced the concern by confirming he had not received any “bad news” from medical staff post match.
Newcastle, who had won all four of their previous away games prior to this match, drops to seventh place in the Premier League standings, while City climbs to fourth.
Analysis: Man City’s flair returns at the right time
It was a performance that brought back memories of Manchester City. Additionally, Omar Marmoush made a memorable individual performance. This season, City may have changed into a moments team, but this outcome felt like a single, powerful moment. It was a declaration.
Many were doubting City’s ability to compete in the top four before they crushed Newcastle. Many were asking if they were hungry for it. However, Pep Guardiola’s team demonstrated that they have the stomach. When they try to overcome a deficit in Madrid the following week, this momentum might be extremely helpful.
Omar Marmoush scored a first-half hat-trick
Marmoush was the main attraction; he was a player worth £60 million, and his enthusiasm was contagious. His enthusiasm appeared to give teammates who had been playing poorly lately a fresh lease on life.
Ilkay Gundogan’s legs worked out of nowhere. The death of Phil Foden was sharp. Rico Lewis is steadfast in his defense.
With their biggest Premier League home victory of the season and their biggest overall since May 2024, City looked rejuvenated and demonstrated that they are far from finished.