Manchester City progress to FA Cup semi-final after defeating a ”too passive” Newcastle United

Manchester City defeated Newcastle United in the FA Cup by two clear goals with a certain degree of comfort as they head to Wembley to entertain Arsenal in the semi-final.

A dominant City triumph gave place for questioning over Steve Bruce’s approach to a superior side in an important fixture. The 59-year-old admitted ”we were too passive” following the loss.

It was the hosts’ first semi-final in 14 years, although unfortunately for the Geordies nothing unexpected happened at St James Park on Sunday evening. Newcastle were happy to surrender the ball and retreat into their own half, recording a 15 percent possession by the end of the first 45 minutes.

City were handicapped for a big part of the game by the nine Magpies in or surrounding the box as they failed to deliver any significant threat.

Considering the quality of Pep Guardiola’s men, an opening was an inevitable matter as Kevin De Bruyne drew first blood and netted his first FA Cup goal of the season when converting from the spot at the 38^th minute. Raheem Sterling struck from outside the box to make it two for the Cityzens midway through the second half to kill the tie.

Parking the bus is considered to be an outdated tactic, and definitely not a universal one.

This approach might be effective in a league game where a draw can possibly be celebrated at the end of the match, in a cup fixture though, more creativity can perhaps be required.

A leaky defence tackling a City side that has already found the net on more than 80 occasions this term was always going to prove an unenviable test. An over-reliance on the pace and skill of Miguel Almiron and Allan Saint-Maximin gave the Magpies slim hopes on the counter but failure to hold possession quickly stripped hopes away of an upset.

Their endeavour was hurt further by the former Atlanta United man’s departure at the half-hour mark, his replacement Joelinton appearing sluggish on his return from an injury. A familiar sight to Newcastle fans.

Openings for Riyad Mahrez and Gabriel Jesus continued their descent around Karl Darlow’s post before Sterling finally tested the Englishman at full-stretch.

A cross later came through Kyle Walker in an attempt to find Jesus, the striker was then pushed in the back by Fabian Schar as referee Lee Mason awarded a penalty.

De Bruyne sent the Newcastle keeper to the right, as he directed the ball to the left to open the scoring with less than ten minutes left of the first half. The Belgian has now scored four goals through set-pieces from his last five appearances.

A team is unlikely to score if you don’t pass your halfway line was probably Steve Bruce’s message as they entered the second half of the quarter-final. The hosts started spreading more around the pitch, increasing potential threat around the City box.

In the 64^th minute, Dwight Gayle came on for Andy Carroll and was quickly found by Saint-Maximin as he sent a promising chance flying into the empty stands.

Sterling’s finish ensured there would be comeback for Bruce’s men, the Englishman cutting in and evading some questionable Newcastle defending before curling an effort home.

Bruce, in due course, sent DeAndre Yedlin and Valentino Lazaro on for Saint Maximin and Danny Rose respectively. With hopes that they could bring some excitement and dynamicity to his side, the damage was already done as his men spent the last 15 minutes trying to ensure the scoreline didn’t grow.

Newcastle United will go back to focusing on the league to try and secure their stay in the middle of the table radar, while Manchester City have a chance to show up for another trophy after becoming Premier League runners up as Guardiola is set to face his former assistant manager Mikel Arteta in the FA Cup semi-final.

Newcastle’s attentions turn to their attempts at securing a top-half Premier League finish. Guardiola and City will face former assistant manager Mikel Arteta at Wembley in the semi-final, the Citizens hoping to repeat their demolition of the Gunners from earlier this month.

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