Man City setting new standards but familiar motto remains with Pep Guardiola mantra clear

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.

Pep Guardiola's side simply played through what they were given, as they have done for eight years. Manchester City are a team for all weathers and all seasons and when their era of dominance ends it will take some serious beating.

Newcastle were a tough quarter-final opponent for a team that had already drawn two Premier League opponents this year - including Spurs in their stadium - yet the Geordies were brushed aside in one of the earliest and most convincing wins seen at the Etihad for a good while. It wasn't quite the statement victory City have been searching for given Newcastle's injuries and struggles with form, but it certainly kicks the Blues on for bigger tests to come as they look to pull off the unthinkable double Treble.

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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.

That semi-final will be the 18th game Guardiola has taken charge of City at Wembley for (20 if you include the two league games against Spurs) in under eight years. Eighteen, including FA Cup semi-finals for the last six years in a row.