Manchester City had to come from one goal down to beat Newcastle United 3-1 at St. James’ Park and progress to the quarter-final stage of the FA Cup. Harvey Barnes gave the hosts the lead in the 18th minute, and there isn’t really an argument to be made that Eddie Howe’s side didn’t deserve their lead. City had to respond to Newcastle’s fast start last night. Pep Guardiola’s side did exactly that. At the forefront of Manchester City’s lift in performance and intensity was Savinho. The Brazilian winger was a constant threat to the Newcastle defence on the right wing, and he arguably put in his best performance for City last night across the full 90 minutes.
When City needed someone to lift after Newcastle’s goal it was Savinho who stepped up. Although Savinho still has one clear area of his game to improve, his performance last night at St. James’ Park was a massive step in the right direction from the Brazilian international.
Savinho gave Newcastle and Lewis Hall a torrid time throughout last night’s match.
It was apparent early on last night that Savinho was up for the match. As Newcastle started strongly and grabbed a 1-nil lead in the 18th minute, Manchester City needed someone to stand up and be counted. Savinho was that player in the final third anyway for Pep Guardiola’s side. The Brazilian winger took it upon himself to drive City forward from the right wing when the opportunity arose. As Pep Guardiola’s side grew into the game, and with Jeremy Doku quiet in the first half hour, Savinho was City’s main attacking outlet.
Savinho set about getting at Lewis Hall whenever the opportunity arose last night. He consistently got on the outside of Hall which offered City a dangerous attacking threat. The Brazilian winger was a willing runner for Pep Guardiola’s side. There is no doubt that he was City’s most dangerous player across the first half hour last night.
Savinho got his reward when he scored Manchester City’s equalizer in the 39th minute. Jeremy Doku cut the ball back from the left and Savinho forced the ball into the back of the net. Whether or not Savinho meant his deft finish is debatable. It doesn’t really matter in the end. He scored his goal, and City were level. From there Pep Guardiola’s side grew and put Newcastle away in the second half. To get to that point, Savinho had inspired his team which was pleasing to see.
They all count! 😅
Savinho levels things up for @ManCity against Newcastle United.
📺 @footballontnt and @discoveryplusukpic.twitter.com/2YpJw3XQWz
— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) March 7, 2026
Savinho’s second half performance was very good but there is one clear area of his game he must improve.
Savinho continued his strong performance in the second half. He didn’t reach his high level of the first half, but he did continue to challenge Newcastle’s defence. The Brazilian winger squandered one golden opportunity when he squared the ball to Tijjani Reijnders after being played through by John Stones. That is a clear area of Savinho’s game that must improve, but the fact that he was getting into those positions was fantastic to see last night.
Savinho’s performance drew praise from his Manchester City teammates.
John Stones was full of praise for Savinho’s performance when he spoke after Manchester City’s win. Speaking on Savinho’s display, Stones said: “*How direct he was, his pace to touch it past you and get up to full speed is incredible. He kept going with lots of crosses and chances. I’m so pleased for him, it’s difficult coming back from injury. He came on last game and made an impact and same again today.*”
Omar Marmoush also spoke of his joy of playing with Savinho and Jeremy Doku. The Egyptian international explained: “*Doku and Savinho were unbelievable tonight, they made the big difference. They unlocked the game and they are two amazing, amazing wingers and it’s very nice to share the pitch with them.*”
Final thoughts.
Savinho played a key role for Manchester City in their win over Newcastle at St. James’ Park last night. It was arguably Savinho’s best performance for the club given the stakes of an FA Cup fifth-round tie. Savinho’s overall performance was exceptional. The fact that he stood up when City needed a player to make an impact under adversity was perhaps the most impressive aspect of Savinho’s performance.