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Three Takeaways as Manchester City advance to FA Cup Semifinal

By J.C. Gonzalez

Manchester City's English midfielder Raheem Sterling (C) celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the English FA Cup quarter-final football match between Newcastle United and Manchester City at St James' Park in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, north east England on June 28, 2020. (Photo by Shaun Botterill / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by SHAUN BOTTERILL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Manchester City's English midfielder Raheem Sterling (C) celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the English FA Cup quarter-final football match between Newcastle United and Manchester City at St James' Park in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, north east England on June 28, 2020. (Photo by Shaun Botterill / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by SHAUN BOTTERILL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /
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Manchester City continued their quest to defend their FA Cup title with a 2-0 win against Newcastle United in the quarterfinal stage.

While it was a dominant display for much of the day at St. James’ Park, it only ended in a 2-0 victory for Manchester City to book a place in the FA Cup semi-final.

Kevin de Bruyne scored once again from the spot and Raheem Sterling finished brilliantly to give City the win, although it was far from a certainty after Dwight Gayle inexplicably missed a potential equalizer following a mistake from Nicolás Otamendi.

With the draw being announced at halftime of the match, City will now face Arsenal in three weeks’ time at Wembley to determine who will face the winner of Chelsea and Manchester United in the FA Cup Final.

1. De Bruyne shines again

City star De Bruyne was stellar once again, albeit in a different role. The Belgian creator sat a bit deeper today, partnering with İlkay Gündoğan behind David Silva and was excellent, showing drive and precision winning the ball back in midfield. He followed up a powerful performance by burying the opener from the penalty spot. Despite holding 75% of the ball and constantly attacking Newcastle’s goal, the Blues managed only four shots on goal. All in all, however, De Bruyne was superb once again to power City into another FA Cup semi-final.

2. Sterling back on form

After struggling to open 2020, Raheem Sterling has now hit the back of the net in two of City’s four matches since returning from the break. City will need their star winger to be at his very best to contend with a difficult final four in the FA Cup as well as the Champions League in August. With the Premier League officially done, he will have ample opportunities to continue this form without the pressure that will come later.

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3. Arsenal up next

City managed to avoid both rivals Manchester United and in-form Chelsea in the next round, and will face Arsenal, who defeated Sheffield United on a late Dani Ceballos goal. City will surely be the favorites to advance to the final once again after defeating the Gunners 3-0 in the first game since the restart, but they will need to maintain form heading into the match. The Premier League may be done, but City still have so much to play for, and the team took the next step in the journey today in the Northeast.