Manchester City cruised into the FA Cup semi-finals following a comfortable 2-0 victory over Newcastle United at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.

Pep Guardiola’s side is still in contention to replicate last season’s unprecedented treble of Champions League, Premier League, and FA Cup, and they were scarcely tested on a rainy night in Manchester.

They are the first team in FA Cup history to reach six consecutive semi-finals, and they have made the final four in seven of Guardiola’s eight seasons in charge.

City led by two goals at halftime on Saturday, and while both were fortunate, they represented a period in which the holders dominated with 75% possession.

After 13 minutes, Dan Burn’s outstretched leg deflected Bernardo Silva’s shot up and over Newcastle goalie Martin Dubravka, and the Portuguese effort went in via the head of defender Sven Botman shortly after the half-hour mark.

Newcastle’s greatest chance came in the first half, when custodian Stefan Ortega saved Alexander Isak’s attempt.

However, City had an otherwise stress-free night as they prepare to return to Wembley Stadium, while Eddie Howe must now ensure that a season of underachievement does not fade out into a timid conclusion.

Photo by EPA/ADAM VAUGHAN