Manchester City booked their sixth consecutive FA Cup semi-final with a routine home win over Newcastle United at the Etihad
It was one of those days in Manchester when all the seasons made an appearance: a glorious sunny morning gradually gave way to cold, driving rain that left you wondering if you'd imagined the good weather.
City won't like to hear any talk of that yet - Guardiola suggested this week he would entertain the idea with one trophy down and two finals to go - but the facts are that when the team returns from international duty at the end of March the dream remains very much on. At the very least, they have another trip to Wembley in the bag after their 2-0 win over Newcastle to up the stakes even more; if you thought March was tough, have a look at April.
Eddie Howe's side looked sharp early on and tested the defence with Anthony Gordon and Alexander Isak's direct running, yet City kept their cool and played their game. With their first real sustained spell of possession, Rodri slipped it to Bernardo Silva and the winger's shot was deflected in off Dan Burn.
Further forward, everything that Guardiola wanted to come off did come off. Mateo Kovacic was an assured presence alongside Rodri and is becoming a master at bouncing off challenges as he makes his way up the pitch, Jeremy Doku was dangerous floating in from the left, and Phil Foden buzzed about with menace.
City won't be overly concerned by Haaland, it just feels like he didn't need those moments last season because he was too busy scoring. The goals are still coming, but not as freely or fiercely.
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