Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola highlighted his side's outstanding record in cup competitions after they became first team in history to reach six consecutive FA Cup semi-finals.
Two deflected first-half goals from Bernardo Silva secured a 2-0 win over Newcastle on Saturday night and the first of what City hope will be three visits to Wembley before the end of the season as they remain on target for a second consecutive treble.
While eager to play down talk of a repeat, Guardiola was happy to talk up his players' consistency, pointing to their record both in the FA Cup and the League Cup, which they won four times in a row between 2018 and 2021.
“After we won the treble, and five titles, we’re coming to the international break with two months left and to be in contention for all the titles means a lot,” the City boss said.
“I know people talk about the Premier League, the Champions League, but to have won four Carabao Cups and [reach] six FA Cup semi-finals in a row, this team, this club, has something special, so it’s incredible.
“Of course we want to win all of them but sometimes this is not possible basically for the quality of the opponents and the schedule we have … but we were there six times in a row.
“Always you can have a bad night or a bad afternoon and to be there six times, you didn’t have a bad night. And for those that doubt the consistency of the team you prove they are wrong.”
City's fast start put Saturday's quarter-final to bed early, with Silva's goals coming in the 13th and 33rd minutes to leave Newcastle with a mountain to climb.
Silva signed a one-year contract extension in September, but while his terms run until 2026, the 29-year-old is constantly linked with Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona.
“Everybody loves him,” Guardiola said of Silva. “He is really important for us and that he stays is really, really important.”
Meanwhile, Newcastle manager Eddie Howe insists their season is not over despite the defeat ending hopes of picking up any silverware. Now under Saudi Arabian ownership, Newcastle haven't won a domestic honour for almost 70 years.
Howe, though, says they must regroup and focus on qualifying for Europe. Hampered by a long list of injuries, Newcastle lie 10th in the Premier League going into the international break. But they are still within touch of either Europa League or Europa Conference League qualification.
“We have a responsibility in the final 10 games of the season to build,” Howe said. “Of course we have our targets for the season but we’re always building for the future to make sure we’re the most competitive team we can be.
“There’ll be no negativity from me or the players. We know the importance of representing the club well in every game and in every moment, and I still feel we have a huge amount to play for.
“[European football], absolutely that’s our aim. There’s a huge amount to play for. If people say our season is over, that’s absolute nonsense as far as I’m concerned.
“We’re driving forward to try to get our best form back first and foremost, to try to win as many games as we can and to finish the season in a positive way because I’ve no doubt we’ll take that feeling into next season as well.”
Howe will take those players not on international duty next week to a training camp in Dubai, where he is hoping to see a number of injured players return.
Manchester City 2-0 Newcastle – player ratings
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CITY RATINGS. Crucial save from Isak in first half. Distribution typically bold albeit with a few hairy moments. EPA -
Pace served him well defensively, otherwise a routine shift for England defender. Reuters -
Solid game from centre-half who was back in the team after missing out against Liverpool. Reuters -
Impressive game from the Swiss who defended confidently and used the ball well. Getty Images -
Assured display and joined in high up on the left when required. AFP -
Mature and controlled performance from the key midfielder. EPA -
One of his better games for City. Sharp with the ball as he helped his side transition defence into attack. Reuters -
At the top of his game right now. Some sublime touches and runs as he looked to hurt Newcastle. PA -
Put his team in a commanding position with two deflected goals in the opening half. AP -
Another lively display from Belgian winger. Denied a deserved goal by decent saves from Dubravka. Getty Images -
Some eye-catching bursts from deep but seemed laboured at times and not at his explosive best. AP -
CITY SUBS: Bobb (for Doku, 77'); Alvarez (for Haaland, 82'): N/A. Getty Images -
NEWCASTLE RATINGS. Beaten by two deflected shots but denied Doku with a couple of decent stops. EPA -
Determined effort but struggled at times and was booked for tug on Doku. Getty Images -
Unfortunate to be booked for strong but fair challenge on Haaland. Reuters -
Not at his best and second goal deflected in off his head. AFP -
Worked hard down the right and put in a couple of dangerous crosses. Reuters -
Nodded down for Isak's chance but had a tough evening before being replaced in mass changes on the hour. AP -
Newcastle's best midfielder and kept trying to make things happen. Getty Images -
Largely anonymous in difficult night for the visitors. Replaced on the hour. Reuters -
Slow to close down Silva in prelude to opener. Another player hooked after an uninspiring display. Getty Images -
Didn't look fit after sustaining knock in previous game. Replaced on the hour. Getty Images -
Missed Newcastle's best chance in first half and hesitated when well-placed after the break. EPA -
NEWCASTLE SUBS: Almiron (on for Gordon, 62') - Injected some energy into Newcastle attack. PA -
(On for Longstaff, 62'): Some nice touches in closing stages. EPA -
(On for Burn, 62'): Brought some purpose down the left. EPA -
(On for Willock, 62'): Did his best to make an impact. Krath (on for Botman, 83'): N/A. Getty Images
