Marmoush hat-trick fires City to victory: Five things we learned from Manchester City 4-0 Newcastle United | OneFootball

Omar Marmoush fired home a first half hat trick that propelled Manchester City to a 4-0 victory over Newcastle United.

Man City dominated the game from the start and never relinquished control. It was a poor showing from a Newcastle side that have impressed in recent weeks.

Pep Guardiola and Eddie Howe both entered this game expecting a tough test that could prove defining in the race for the top four. At the start of play, City and Newcastle were both level on points in fifth and sixth place, and with identical goal difference.

Both were just two points behind Chelsea in fourth place who had already lost this weekend. By the end of the match City are into fourth and Newcastle are down in seventh.

Here are five things we learnt from a dominant display from Guardiola’s men:

Marmoush the hat trick hero

Today was only the fifth match of Omar Marmoush’s City career. In the previous four he had looked dangerous and it was evident why the Blues had spent £59 million on him, but with little return. Against Newcastle, City’s new number seven opened his account for the club in style. Marmoush got his first City goal in the 19th minute, latching onto a long ball from Ederson and lifted it over Dubravka into the back of the Newcastle net. In the 24th minute the forward scored his second, cutting inside from the edge of the box and firing home. before completing an impressive hat-trick in the 33rd minute.

Nico Gonzalez impresses

Nico Gonzalez made his first Premier League appearance and immediately looked at home in his new team. Gonzalez was brought in from Porto for £50 million on January deadline day, with the six foot two inch midfielder the defensive shield that City have massively lacked without Rodri. The La Maria graduate is also comfortable on the ball and has slotted seamlessly into Guardiola’s team. He looked great today and it is surprising that City waited so long to sign him.

Trippier struggles continue

Kieran Trippier was reportedly close to leaving Newcastle last summer and it now seems unlikely that he will have much of a place in Howe’s plans for the future. The right-back has lost his starting spot this season to the younger Timo Livramento, who has been impressive this campaign. The 34-year-old struggled up against Marmoush, who had the beating of him, as the Egyptian bested the England international in the lead up to both of his first two goals. Trippier was taken off at halftime.

Superb Savinho

Savinho joined City in the summer, entering the squad at possibly the worst time in the last five years. Despite the team struggling around him, the young Brazilian has impressed during his debut campaign in England. The 20-year-old has shown his quality on a number of occasions and today was another great display from the winger. The Brazilian glided through the Newcastle defence multiple times, producing dangerous shots and crosses. Although he did not find the back of the net, Savinho was rewarded with an assist.

Newcastle’s Champions League hopes dashed

After a disappointing campaign last season, Newcastle have their sights set on a return to the Champions League. The Magpies started the day level with City, but this result is not good for their league position and even more so for their morale. Howe’s side have demonstrated on numerous occasions that they have the quality to beat anybody on their day, however, the trouble they have is is dealing with their lack of consistency. Newcastle are in danger of becoming a cup side, that can turn up on big occasions but not every weekend.