Man City player ratings vs Newcastle as Manu Akanji and Mateo Kovacic shine

Manchester City eased past Newcastle United in the FA Cup quarter-finals thanks to two first-half goals from Bernardo Silva.

Silva took his tally for the season to nine with a pair of similar strikes in the first 30 minutes that both took deflections off Newcastle players and left visiting goalkeeper Martin Dubravka stranded. Eddie Howe's side battled gamely for the rest of the evening but City were always in control and have now booked an 18th trip to Wembley in their eighth season under Pep Guardiola.

Jack Grealish took his place in the squad after his recent injury but was an unused substitute along with John Stones and Nathan Ake as a team with five changes from Anfield picked up an important win. Here's how the players rated.

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Ortega: Excellent save in the first half to keep the score at 2-0, although nearly played himself into trouble a few times. 7

Walker: Needed his pace to get him out of jail a few times, but did use it well. Couldn't make inroads on the right wing. 7

Akanji: The best City player for the second game in a row, marshalling the defence and making important tackles and interceptions throughout. 8

Dias: Back in the team and assured all over the pitch, even when finding himself with the ball at his feet near the Newcastle box. 7

Gvardiol: Gordon could have given him problems so it is to his credit that he kept him quiet and also pushed up to help the attack. 7

Rodri: An assist for Silva and his ability to spot key passes was only bettered by his engine as he looks like running all the way to June. 7

Kovacic: Another very good display, carrying the ball from defence to attack and