When Manchester City's third goal found the net, extinguishing any lingering hope for Newcastle United, the reaction from the visitors' dugout spoke volumes. Eddie Howe's assistant Graeme Jones sank into his seat, mouthing a single, expletive-laden word that perfectly captured the evening's descent from faint optimism to stark embarrassment.
A Tie Decided Early
The contest was effectively over long before the half-hour mark. Indeed, the decisive blow landed as early as the seventh minute, when City's reserve striker Omar Marmoush bundled the ball home. That early goal seemed to instantly drain all ambition and belief from the Newcastle side, setting the tone for a painfully one-sided affair.
This may not be the all-conquering Manchester City of previous seasons. This is a younger, occasionally disjointed side, one grappling with external narratives about their manager's future and perceived injustices. Yet, when their formidable talent clicks into gear, they remain a devilishly effective unit, as they proved in overwhelming a defensively porous Newcastle.
City's Ruthless Intent
Pep Guardiola's team approached this second leg with a markedly different mentality to fellow finalists Arsenal. While the Gunners opted to protect a narrow lead, City sought to crush Newcastle's spirit from the first whistle. Their plan was executed with brutal efficiency.
Newcastle were complicit in their own downfall, appearing disorganised and passive. City sliced through them at will, scoring three first-half goals, each originating from inside their own half. For Eddie Howe, it was arguably one of the worst 45-minute spells of his tenure at St James' Park.
Key Performers Seal the Deal
Manchester City's victory was built on standout performances. Tijjani Reijnders and Antoine Semenyo were instrumental, their speed of thought and movement proving unmanageable for Newcastle's beleaguered defence. The night, however, belonged to Omar Marmoush. The Egyptian forward scored twice, taking his tally to five goals against Newcastle at the Etihad Stadium from just twelve City strikes overall.
Perhaps most encouragingly for Guardiola, this comprehensive victory was achieved without deploying his full arsenal. Key figures like Erling Haaland, Rodri, and Ruben Dias were rested on the bench, preserving their energy for the crucial Premier League clash with Liverpool at Anfield. Haaland's late cameo, which yielded a fine save from Aaron Ramsdale, felt almost superfluous.
Newcastle's Nightmare Start and Fleeting Response
The importance of City's early opener cannot be overstated. Newcastle began the match lacking intensity and conviction, allowing the hosts to dictate play. When Marmoush combined with Reijnders to burst into the box, Dan Burn's desperate tackle only succeeded in deflecting the ball against the striker and over the stranded Ramsdale.
Newcastle had fleeting chances to respond immediately. Joe Willock and Anthony Gordon were both presented with one-on-one opportunities against City's deputy goalkeeper James Trafford, but he stood firm on both occasions. These missed chances proved costly, as City soon doubled their lead.
Marmoush's second goal originated from a Newcastle free-kick, showcasing City's lethal transition. Reijnders carried the ball 30 yards unchallenged before the move culminated in a Semenyo shot deflecting to Marmoush, who nodded in from point-blank range. The tie was dead, and Newcastle's resolve visibly wilted.
Just three minutes later, Reijnders was on the scoresheet himself, sliding home after Semenyo was tackled, capping a superb individual half-hour of football.
A Consolation and a Search for Pride
With Anthony Gordon substituted before half-time due to a hamstring issue, Newcastle's misery was compounded. Credit must go to the travelling supporters who remained in voice, and they were finally rewarded with a moment of quality. Substitute Anthony Elanga produced a superb individual effort, cutting in from the right to curl a fine shot into the far corner.
That goal sparked a belated improvement from Newcastle in the second half. They pressed with more belief, but the mountain was insurmountable—needing four more goals to force extra time. Their late rally felt more like a quest for salvaged dignity than a genuine comeback.
For Manchester City, this performance may prove a significant marker. If they are to mount a sustained title challenge in the Premier League, such dominant displays will be essential. For Newcastle, the hope will be that this heavy defeat is an aberration, as their performance levels were alarmingly poor on a night when they were thoroughly outclassed.
