Omar Marmoush netted a first-half hat-trick to lead Manchester City to a dominant 4-0 victory over Newcastle on Saturday, propelling Pep Guardiola’s side back into the Premier League’s top four.
The Egyptian forward’s stunning performance came just days after City’s frustrating 3-2 loss to Real Madrid in the Champions League, which left them with a challenging task ahead in Madrid next Wednesday if they are to secure a spot in the competition’s last 16 for the 12th consecutive season.
However, Marmoush’s explosive display offered a glimmer of hope for City, as they tore through Newcastle in the opening 33 minutes.
The match had been billed as a showdown between Premier League Golden Boot contenders Erling Haaland and Alexander Isak, but it was Marmoush who stole the spotlight. The 26-year-old, who joined City from Eintracht Frankfurt for £59 million ($72.6 million) in January after scoring 20 goals this season, demonstrated why Guardiola sought to add more attacking firepower alongside Haaland.
Guardiola made six changes to his lineup, with Marmoush one of the fresh faces.
After a costly mistake by goalkeeper Ederson during City’s midweek Champions League defeat, the Brazilian redeemed himself with a long kick upfield that caught Kieran Trippier off-guard. Marmoush calmly lobbed the stranded Martin Dubravka to give City the lead.
Just five minutes later, Marmoush doubled his tally with a deflected shot from inside the area following a pass from Ilkay Gundogan, making it 2-0.
The third came from a brilliant piece of skill by Savinho, who danced past Lewis Hall down the right before crossing for Marmoush to fire home from close range.
Newcastle, struggling in their pursuit of a Champions League spot, never threatened to come back, and their hopes of qualifying suffered a significant blow with this heavy defeat.
Eddie Howe’s side, who recently reached the League Cup final, have lost three of their last four Premier League matches, slipping to seventh place.
Meanwhile, City, despite a season marked by inconsistency, climbed back into strong contention for Champions League qualification, with their hopes of an unprecedented fourth consecutive league title all but extinguished.
James McAtee added a fourth for City in the 84th minute, converting Haaland’s flick-on from a Gundogan corner. However, City fans will be concerned by Haaland’s injury, as the Norwegian was forced off in the final stages after receiving treatment for a knee issue.
AFP
