Interesting to read through these BBC Sport ‘neutrals’ comments, following on from Newcastle United losing 3-1 at home to Manchester City.
United exiting the FA Cup at the fifth round stage.
Newcastle United starting really well, taking the lead, the better team for 25-30 minutes.
Then Manchester City’s squad depth quality kicked in, they settled and showed their levels, taking advantage of a Newcastle team as their energy levels rapidly diminished. Having to play the majority of the Man U match with only ten men, proving a step too far when then so quickly having to face the quality Man City possess.
The BBC Sport readers comments from neutrals, some from Man City fans, plus one or two Newcastle United supporters also contributing:
‘Newcastle second XI no match for City second XI tonight!’
‘Sadly Newcastle beating both Manchester teams in the space of a week wasn’t to be. They can’t complain tonight though, Man City were the better side by far.’
‘When we lose it’s usually to the better team.
The only exceptions I can think of this season off the top of my head are Sunderland away (both teams were equally poor) and Manchester United away.
Maybe Marseille away.’
‘Yet again 2nd string City beat Newcastle , im a Man City fan but feel sorry for Newcastle need to spend some of that money ,just unfortuately in different times and rules.’
‘Me too. City fan. Villa and Newcastle are being gubbed by the rules.’
‘Given that fact Newcastle were shocking tonight. They seemed to think their cup game was against Manchester United earlier this week. I actually like Newcastle and what Eddie Howe has done at the club but they should be beating such a weakened team. Also Ramsdale had an absolute howler and was unrecognisable from his performance against Man U which was a dead rubber for Newcastle in truth.’
‘So you “… actually like Newcastle & what Eddie Howe’s done at Club, but they should be beating such a weakened team…” ?
Not sure you know too much about Manchester City – indeed Football at all – with such a Comment.
The ‘machine’ that is MCFC comfortably beat Newcastle today with a great TEAM game – something well practised over 15 YEARS !
The “Squad” is Key
Proud manC’
‘Joelinton. Why is he so angry all the time? Is it cause he’s no good at football?’
‘Every time I watch him I feel he should see red’
‘So angry because he plays for Newcastle’
‘Angry? Guardiola ranting – even clenching his fists – at the fourth official.
This when his team was 2-1 up. In control. And over an incident of little consequence in the middle of the field.
Even those who think he’s special, must admit he is the textbook definition of “highly strung”.’
‘Such an unlikeable player Joelinton. Started as a no.9 but now operates as a box to box midfielder. Tells you all you need to know about him. Only thing he’s good for his waving his arms at the supporters to raise the volume. Nothing player’
‘Clearly you don’t watch much football’
‘Joelinton and Guirmares both cast from the same mold.’
‘Part-time football fan opinion’
‘We started terribly but went uphill, Real Madrid will thump us next week. CTID.’
‘Feared for us tonight, especially after Toon scored, but our supposed ‘2nd string’ were excellent in turning this one around
Well played, especially Savinho, who I’ve poured scorn on previously & suggested I’d rather us play with 10 than have him on the pitch. He was really good tonight & probably motm. Let’s hope he continues to prove me wrong.
However RM will probably stuff us.’
‘Wow. 10 changes to the starting line up and Man City were sensational. Aptly described as “purring”.’
‘It’s easy to purr with two billion pound teams.’
‘You can understand why they rested Haaland with a solitary goal against Newcastle in 10 games.’
‘Its difficult for Haaland to play to his best with either Burns, Thiaw or a combination of the pair hanging off him all the time’
‘How does Pep get away with such childish behaviour every week? Imagine that was Arteta.’
‘Plucky little Man City – just takes 18 years of spending unlimited amounts and they can scrape through.’
‘Well… no upsets here so far. Liverpool, Arsenal, Man City and Chelsea all through. Looks like it’s likely an All Big-6 SF at this rate.
Not good for stories. At least Scotland has 2 unfancied sides now in the Scottish Cup Semis. Man City looked good, unlucky Newcastle United, but hopefully your lot gets past Barcelona. Man City? Good luck against Real Madrid.’
‘Man City played well and Newcastle couldn’t handle them once they upped their game.
Woltemade and Elanga were abysmal tonight and that’s basically £120 down the train and then it’s Wissa to the rescue and we get go watch him stroll around for a bit to bring it to around £170m worth of nothing. Last summer’s window will set Newcastle back for the next few seasons I’m afraid.’
‘They’ll be fine when they go through an Eddie Howe pre-season.’
‘We’re the worst team in the league on form haha How bad does it have to get before you realise he’s Eddie Pardew? Another year of this?’
‘I see the Mackem is back, vanished for the wins against Villa. Spurs and Man U, well all NUFC wins basically.’
‘Wrong starting 11 woltemade not made for premiership. Wissa and Williock what a waste of money’
‘Willock saved your season when he signed, and woltemade should be used like havertz at arsenal,’
‘Brilliant first 20 minutes – then we turned into zombies.
Credit to Man City, though. Top-class team – they ramp up the quality and stick the knife in when we drop our standards.
Woltemade looked like he’s still ill. Should’ve stayed in bed – incredibly sluggish, no energy or presence. Same goes for Elanga.’
‘It’s never easy going to St James Park needing a win. Incredible performance by both sides but the best team won.
The best team in the world.’