Back to their best? Man City’s 4-0 Newcastle demolition arrives at perfect time before Madrid | OneFootball

Manchester City delivered a resounding statement with a 4-0 demolition of Newcastle United, climbing back into the Premier League’s top four at a pivotal moment in their season.Omar Marmoush stole the show with a blistering first-half hat-trick, his first goals for the club since arriving from Eintracht Frankfurt in January. It was a performance that not only reaffirmed City’s attacking firepower but also handed them a confidence boost ahead of their decisive Champions League second leg against Real Madrid.Coming into the game, City and Newcastle were locked in a battle for fourth place. With pressure mounting, Pep Guardiola’s side knew they needed a response, and they delivered emphatically. From the first whistle, City suffocated Newcastle, dictating possession and probing for openings.The breakthrough arrived in the 12th minute, courtesy of an unlikely source. Ederson, renowned for his pinpoint passing, launched a 50-yard ball over Newcastle’s defence. Kieran Trippier misjudged his leap, allowing Marmoush to race through and lift a delicate chip over the onrushing Martin Dubravka. It was Ederson’s sixth career assist in the Premier League, a testament to his playmaking abilities.Marmoush doubled the lead five minutes later, taking a quick pass from Ilkay Gundogan on the edge of the box. With one touch, he shifted the ball to his right foot and drilled a low shot inside the near post, leaving Dubravka rooted. Trippier, once again exposed, could do nothing to stop him.Newcastle attempted to respond, briefly pinning City back, and nearly found a lifeline when Alexander Isak pounced on a defensive mix-up. However, John Stones’ last-ditch intervention sent the ball wide, preserving City’s control.That control soon turned into total dominance. Phil Foden and Savinho combined brilliantly down the right, with the Brazilian gliding past Lewis Hall before squaring for Marmoush to sweep home his third. The Etihad erupted as Guardiola beamed from the touchline, knowing his team had put the game beyond doubt before half-time.Guardiola’s midfield reshuffle also paid off. With Rodri absent, Nico Gonzalez stepped up, earning praise from his manager for his ability to win duels and dictate play. “He’s like a mini-Rodri,” Guardiola remarked. “He’ll help us massively in this final stretch of the season.”Newcastle made changes at the break, introducing Tino Livramento and Lewis Miley in an attempt to shift momentum. But City remained relentless. Erling Haaland pressed Dan Burn into a mistake, nearly setting up Savinho for a fourth, while Josko Gvardiol’s powerful run down the left had Guardiola urging the home fans to rise in appreciation.City capped off their dominant display in the final minutes when Haaland flicked a clever pass into James McAtee’s path, and the youngster volleyed home to seal a commanding victory.The win lifted City back into the top four, a vital result as they gear up for a defining week. With their season on the line against Real Madrid, this performance was the perfect preparation, restoring belief as they attempt to turn their season around.