Silva settles FA Cup tie to keep treble ambitions alive

In 2011, the FA Cup represented Manchester City’s first major trophy for 35 years. Now, for the second successive season, it may only be the third they lift in the space of a few weeks.

- RICHARD JOLLY

Manchester City Silva (13, 31) 2
Newcastle United 0

It is almost six months since Newcastle denied City the quadruple by knocking them out of the Carabao Cup, but the double treble remains very much on. The defending champions are off to Wembley again, becoming the first team to reach six successive FA Cup semi-finals.

And Newcastle, despite that autumnal victory, can testify still further to the depth of high-class talents in the City midfield.

When they lost at the Etihad Stadium in August, it was because of a tour de force by Phil Foden. In January at St James’ Park, Kevin de Bruyne was Newcastle’s nemesis.

With the Belgian consigned to the status of spectator by a groin injury, it was Bernardo Silva who instead determined this tie.

A player of his precision rarely requires a touch off opponents to find his intended target but a double came courtesy of deflections. They may not make his personal highlights reel but if part of Silva’s appeal to Pep Guardiola lies in his selfless versatility, a man who can play in several positions assumed the role of match-winner.