Silva was at his mesmeric best, scoring one and assisting two more in the 5-0 win - though it could have been even more as Pep Guardiola’s men tore the in-form Magpies to shreds.
What happened?
It was evident from the opening few minutes that Newcastle were taking inspiration from Southampton’s energetic, committed display on Sunday.
The Magpies pressed hard with aggression, trying to force errors and hassle City in an attempt to disrupt rhythm and fluidity.
But City weren’t in the mood to be dictated to and with 10 minutes on the clock, Gabriel Jesus broke his goal drought with a neat finish.
Phil Foden played the ball into the box for David Silva who cleverly spotted Jesus drop back from his two markers and the Brazilian placed a low drive into the bottom right corner.
Just 11 minutes later, it was 2-0 and the similarity to the opener was remarkable.
Foden, out on the left flank again, fed De Bruyne’s overlapping run and the Belgian got to the line before picking out Riyad Mahrez who stroked home a low shot into the bottom right corner of the net.
With Silva, De Bruyne, Foden and Mahrez all in the mood and weaving mesmerising patterns, the Magpies were more than a shade lucky to reach the break only a couple of goals down.
Within minutes of the restart Foden put the ball wide from a yard out as he attempted to guide home De Bruyne’s lobbed cross, and then Silva skewed one over under pressure from two defenders.
However, the third goal wasn’t far away and after a neat interchange between Jesus and Foden saw the Brazilian weave past a couple of challenges before Matt Richie poked the ball off his toes – but then watched in horror as Federico Fernandez inadvertently deflected the clearance past his own keeper.
And the best goal of the night was reserved for irrepressible Silva who spotted a flaw in Newcastle’s defensive wall and curled a free-kick into the top left corner to better reflect City’s dominance.
The torment wasn’t quite over for the Magpies, however. as Silva provided his 91st Premier League assist to allow sub Raheem Sterling to complete the rout in added time.
Silva Service
With each passing game David Silva’s time with City edges closer to its conclusion.
But anyone who thinks the Spain and Club legend will just wind his career down in the games that remain couldn’t be more wrong.
Our outstanding performer against Southampton, ‘El Mago’ was equally excellent against Newcastle.
Despite being on the end of a forceful early challenge from Jonjo Shelvey, he soon took the game by the scruff of the neck, drifting into pocket of space and causing mayhem in the process.
EL MAGO: DAVID SILVA TRIBUTE BOOK: Buy now!
His darting run into the box and cross for Jesus’ goal could have been the David Silva of 2010.
And it was his threaded pass to Foden that started the move that led to the second goal.
Then, he added his customary strike against Newcastle (sixth in total) just for good measure with a sublime free-kick, before assisting Sterling‘s strike in added time (his 91st PL assist).
The ultimate professional, he is a shining light to any young player and it is a privilege to watch him.
Savour every minute.
Line-ups:
City: Ederson, Cancelo (Walker 46), Zinchenko, Otamendi, Stones, Rodrigo (Gundogan 46), D Silva (c) Foden (Bernardo 61), De Bruyne, Mahrez (Doyle 74), Jesus (Sterling 61)
Unused subs: Bravo, Laporte, Fernandinho, Garcia
Newcastle United: Dubravka, Yedlin, Krafth (Muto 84), Fernandez, Rose, Schar, Shelvey (M Longstaff 67) Bentaleb, Lazaro (Manquillo 66), Ritchie (Atsu 84), Joelinton (Gayle 67).
Unused subs: Darlow,, Almirón, Allan, Young.
What it means
City move onto 69 points, nine clear of third-placed Chelsea.
It means we need two more points to guarantee a top four finish and one more win to seal the runners-up spot.
What’s next?
City travel to Brighton for a Saturday evening clash at the Am Ex (8pm kick-off).
Stats and milestones
City are the first team in Premier League history to have five players - Raheem Sterling, Sergio Aguero, Kevin De Bruyne, Riyad Mahrez and Gabriel Jesus - with 10 or more goals in one season.
David Silva has now scored 76 goals and assisted 139 more in 430 games for City.
Kevin De Bruyne has now equalled his season best of 18 assists in the Premier League having reached the same total in 2016/17.
City have won the last four home games by an aggregate of 18-0.
News about Man City v Newcastle
Classic Highlights: City 5-0 Newcastle
On this day in 2020, Pep Guardiola's men cruised past the Magpies at the Etihad Stadium. Watch more
