Omar Marmoush scored a first-half hat-trick as Newcastle United suffered a 4-0 defeat at Premier League champions Manchester City.
Marmoush needed just 14 minutes to secure his treble before a late goal by substitute James McAtee increased the hosts’ advantage.
Anthony Gordon and Dan Burn were passed fit to start at the Etihad, shaking off their respective injuries.
Man City opened the scoring in the 19th when a long ball by Ederson was misjudged by Kieran Trippier and Marmoush ran in behind to lift the ball over Martin Dubravka.
Marmoush then doubled his and City’s tally five minutes later when he jinked into a pocket of space on the edge of the box to find the bottom left corner. The Egyptian then completed his hat-trick in the space of 14 minutes when directed Savinho’s cross home.
Howe introduced Lewis Miley and Tino Livramento in place of Trippier and Joe Willock at half-time and that gave Newcastle a better shape. But the visitors failed to threaten the Man City backline.
And the home side added a fourth in the closing stages when Erling Haaland’s flick on was directed home by substitute James McAtee.
Our writer Jordan Cronin was at the Etihad Stadium - and here are his Newcastle United player ratings:
1. GettyImages-2199079510
AFP via Getty Images
2. Martin Dubravka - 5
The Slovakian had little other to do than pick the ball out of his net. | AFP via Getty Images
3. Kieran Trippier - 3
A torrid first-half, epitomised by his error in the build-up to Man City’s opener. Hooked at half-time. | AFP via Getty Images
4. Fabian Schar - 4
Kept conceding possession in dangerous areas. Didn’t press Ilkay Gundogan in the build-up to Man City’s second goal. | AFP via Getty Images