Matchday Live panel praise Khusanov, Marmoush and Nico performances | OneFootball

Sam Allardyce and Andy Morrison were quick to praise the impact of Abdukodir Khusanov, Omar Marmoush and Nico in Saturday’s 4-0 thrashing of Newcastle United.

Marmoush grabbed the headlines with a hat-trick inside 33 minutes in just his fifth City appearance, but Khusanov and Nico were also integral to the clean sheet and build-up play that facilitate the convincing victory.

Speaking on Matchday Live just moments after full-time, Allardyce and Morrison were full of positive words to say about the trio.

Starting with Marmoush, Allardyce recalled his own managerial career and stated just how difficult it is for players to be so decisive when arriving in the middle of the season.

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen someone come in the January window and have such an impact in one game so early on,” he began.

“Believe you me, I’ve had a lot of players come in this time of year who have struggled badly to adjust to the qualities, physicality and demand of the Premier League and it’s taken them until to the season after to show their best.

WATCH: Marmoush's goals against Newcastle

“So to do it so quickly and to show such great talent and willingness to make the runs is brilliant. There’s an instant connection there with Erling Haaland, to come short and link passes with him but also run off him.

“A fabulous hat-trick and it’s brilliant for the lad himself.”

Former defender Morrison then gave Khusanov his dues, who partnered John Stones at the heart of the defence and marshalled the in-form Alexander Isak superbly.

“Really impressed today. He never got exposed,” began Morrison.

“There was a turn of pace that myself and Sam saw that was a 40-yard recovery run, it had us looking at each other and saying ‘wow’.

WATCH: Khusanov v Newcastle

“It was a fantastic reaction to the mishap in the first game that can knock your confidence.

“He was back in today against a big team and a striker in Isak who is bang in form and one of the form strikers in world football.

“It was a big challenge but he dealt with it quite comfortably. Really pleased for him today.”

Allardyce then discussed Nico’s display on his home debut.

The Spaniard played at the base of midfield and dictated play throughout, completing more passes than anyone else.

“He just slipped into that position and controlled the midfield,” said the 70-year-old, who has taken charge of 541 games in the top-flight.

WATCH: Nico v Newcastle

“Not many will look at him because there were the stars like Savinho and Marmoush but his contribution, link-up play, reading and intercepting balls was brilliant.

“He made everything look so simple which is not an easy task in the Premier League.”

Matchday Live

Matchday Live is our City-centric show for every men's match and selected women's matches.

Starting approximately an hour before kick-off, a panel of City favourites and familiar faces from the world of football will preview the game and have some fun along the way.

Then we'll go to Alistair Mann for live radio commentary during the action before returning to our studio guests at half-time and full-time.

The best part is...it's all free! Simply head to the Matchday Centre on mancity.com or our official app in the build-up to each game.