Manchester City bounced back in style, securing a commanding 4-0 victory over Newcastle – a perfect response after their previous setback.
Gradually, City seem to be turning a corner. The slump they went through wasn’t going to last forever, and while they’re not back to their absolute best just yet, the signs of improvement are there.
The key now is whether they can build on this momentum and get back to that relentless winning machine we’re used to seeing.
Do you think this recovery is coming at the right time for their title push, or is it still too late?
Newcastle had a dismal record at the Etihad, losing each of their last 15 visits – a feat that stands since 2007.
Despite coming into the game in great form, they couldn’t break the cycle, as Manchester City extended their dominance to 16 consecutive home wins against them.
What stood out for Manchester City in this contest? While much of the focus will be on their attacking brilliance, what truly caught my attention was their defensive resilience.
It was a refreshing change from the norm, as City secured just their sixth clean sheet of the season – a testament to their improved solidity at the back.
But beyond that, this was a statement performance from the new signings, who seized the moment to showcase their potential and hint at the impact they could have on the club’s future.
Manchester City Summer Signings are Beginning to Make the Difference
I haven’t seen a smarter winter recruitment than the players Manchester City brought in this season.
While it took them a few games to truly showcase their value, the potential they bring is enough to make any fan excited. In this latest contest, two of them stood out in particular.
Abdukodir Khusanov, the Uzbek talent who endured a nightmare debut in the Premier League, finally put that behind him with a commanding display in City’s defence.
In this match, he played with the hunger of a young player eager to prove a point – his rapid recoveries, perfectly timed slide tackles, and defensive awareness in covering for his wingback showcased a completely different version of him.
His overwhelming physical presence was a stark contrast to his shaky first appearance.
Now, he’s finally playing like someone with a year and a half of Ligue 1 experience under his belt, and with this newfound confidence, even more can be expected from him.
Then there’s Omar Marmoush – the Egyptian Prince, or Pharaoh, as they call him – who has finally begun what could be a long reign as a lethal force in Manchester City’s attack.
While he didn’t quite ignite in his first two games, the warning signs were there – his constant movement into dangerous areas hinted at what was to come. And in his third Premier League match, everything clicked.
His teammates started finding his perfectly timed runs, and the result was spectacular – a ruthless 15-minute hat-trick that crushed any hopes of a Newcastle comeback and set the stage for City’s fourth goal.
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Is there still a Possible Title Charge Left in City?
Hardly anyone is asking this question, as most have subconsciously ruled them out of the title race – but this is still Manchester City, a team that thrives on late-season surges and has turned chasing down rivals into an art form.
While with 9 games left, it might seem too late, the premier league remains one that always offers surprises.
Currently, they sit 13 points off the top, a gap that could widen to 17 if Liverpool wins on Wednesday, February 19.
The idea of a dramatic City comeback might seem far-fetched, but clarity is just around the corner as the two sides prepare to face off.
While City might not be the dominant title challenger this season, a win in their next match could apply just enough late pressure to keep the race interesting.
At this stage, a successful season for Manchester City hinges on finishing strong with consistent wins, even if it doesn’t culminate in a title.
While the Premier League crown may be slipping away, there’s still plenty to fight for – especially in the FA Cup, where their hopes remain high.
This victory could be the spark they need, setting the stage for a strong finish and potentially aligning everything for a late-season surge.
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / Action Plus
Recording Date: 15.02.2025