MCI FA Cup Post-Match Review: Newcastle United vs. Manchester City

A scintillating weekend win has the City faithful buzzing. MCI writer Nico returns to share his thoughts in our latest match review.

Manchester City reminded the world exactly why they are Premier League champions at St. James’ Park. Just eight minutes in, Ederson was forced off injured due to a collision with Kyle Walker. Bernardo Silva’s strike opened the game, scoring an incredibly skillful goal in the 26th minute. City would then go on to concede two goals in rapid-fire succession, courtesy of Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon in the 37th minute and 39th minute respectively. Overall, the first half was poor and shaky for Man City, with changes and adjustments clearly necessary. 

However, in the second half, City appeared to hit their stride, determined to secure all three points at all costs. As the match reached the hour mark, the reigning champions began establishing their control on the match, creating better chances and looking more threatening by the minute.. and then it happened. Raucous cheers of “OHHH KEVIN DE BRUYNE” rang out all over the stadium, as the notoriously lively City away fans drowned out any noise from the home fans. A momentum shift clearly happening as City talisman Kevin De Bruyne was seen warming up on the sidelines. In the 69th minute, the Belgian international made his long-awaited league return, his first appearance in the Premier League since August, and immediately changed the game. Just five minutes later, De Bruyne scored, and in stoppage time, De Bruyne found Oscar Bobb for what would be the match-winning goal. Bobb’s ability to locate the ball in the air, stop it while in motion, with a croqueta around the goal keeper and a tidy finish sent the City faithful into pandemonium. Champions doing what champions do.. finding a way to win. 

This was a match of two halves. A very typical Man City performance. 

What’s next for Man City?

Man City will travel to London to play Tottenham Hotspur in the FA Cup Round 4 on January 26, who recently knocked-out Vincent Kompany’s Burnley in Round 3. Knowing our history at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the match will undeniably be difficult. However, they could be without captain and attacker Son Heung-min, a perennial thorn in City’s side, as he may still be away on international duty, representing South Korea in the AFC Asian Cup. 

Five Notable Talking Points:

• Kevin De Bruyne elevates this team to another level. While we do have our fair share of world-class players, the difference De Bruyne makes when he’s on the pitch is night and day. It’s been a joy to see him playing again. Hopefully we can continue to ease him back to full fitness and avoid another serious injury.
• Pep continues to tinker and I’m not a fan of them. Playing Doku centrally was not his brightest idea. and it clearly was not working for Doku or the team. The versatility of our players is a strength but some of our players are clearly more limited than others in that regard, which is more or less okay in the right situations. 
• City are slowly building momentum and look a serious threat for their fourth consecutive Premier League title. Matches are being won, De Bruyne is back, and we still have other players returning from injury in the coming weeks.
• Gvardiol continues to improve and look more like the signing we anticipated. His on-ball ability, athleticism, and intelligence combine for an incredibly unique profile of defender, one whose ceiling is difficult to identify. 
• A special shout-out to Oscar Bobb, who looks completely at home in this senior City side.  
  

Match Ratings:

Ortega: 6

Walker: 6.5

Dias: 7

Ake: 7

Gvardiol: 7.5

Rodri: 8

Kovacic: 7

Foden: 7.5

Silva: 8

Doku: 5.5

Alvarez: 6

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De Bruyne: 8.5 (MOTM)

Bobb: 7

Written by: Nico

Edited by: Sheikh