Manchester City thrashed Newcastle United 4-0 in a Premier League match at the Etihad Stadium last Saturday, February 15.
The win took the Cityzens to fourth place in the league table with 44 points from 25 matches.
Omar Marmoush scored a hat-trick for Manchester City and James McAtee added another, as the English champions looked like a top side once again.
With the second leg of the UEFA Champions League play-off against Real Madrid a few days away, Saturday’s resounding win should come as an assurance for Pep Guardiola’s men.
Omar Marmoush Made His Presence Felt for Manchester City
Marmoush scored his first three goals for his new club on the occasion.
Pep Guardiola decided to rest key players like Kevin de Bruyne, Bernardo Silva, Jack Grealish and Rúben Dias, the match against Real Madrid in mind.
City started with a 4-2-3-1, with İlkay Gündoğan partnering Nico Gonzalez in the double-pivot and Marmoush on the left flank.
Phil Foden started as the No. 10 and Savinho on the right flank.
However, as the match progressed, left-back Joško Gvardiol started playing in an advanced position, which made the formation 3-2-4-1.
This allowed Marmoush to move inside to be with Foden in central areas. This also allowed the Egyptian forward to cut inside through the inside-left channel and he got one of his goals in that manner.
Gvardiol’s overlaps stretched Newcastle’s defence wide and gave the central midfielders enough space in the final third.
The Cityzens ensured that their back three stayed deep with Nico Gonzalez just ahead of them. This allowed them to take care of the counter-attacks of Newcastle.
Moreover, Manchester City defenders kept playing long balls forward. One of such long passes paved the way for the reigning champions’ opening goal, with Marmoush finishing coolly.
More such balls were played to Savinho on the right flank, which meant that the Manchester City defence continued to be stretched.
Savinho registered an assist for Manchester City’s third goal, which took his tally in the Premier League to seven.
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The Test Will Continue for the Cityzens
Manchester City will face Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur in their next two Premier League matches.
Prior to that, however, there is that momentous visit to Santiago Bernabeu to face Real Madrid.
Should City be able to beat Real Madrid, they will firmly believe that they can win the tournament. It is not going to be an easy task, but Guardiola’s men have the capability to do it.
However, for now, they seem to have unearthed a new star in Marmoush.
The Egyptian could go on to become Guardiola’s latest signing to make his mark in English and European football.
His speed, finishing ability and the desire to get involved in action are all top qualities for a forward.
He should continue to be critical for the Cityzens this season. It remains to be seen whether Guardiola will make him start against Real Madrid.
The odds are now stacked in his favour after that display against Newcastle. City might need another inspirational performance from him next Wednesday.
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / Action Plus
Recording Date: 15.02.2025