Manchester City booked their place in the Carabao Cup final after a commanding 3-1 victory over Newcastle United at the Etihad Stadium, securing a 5-1 aggregate win. The result sets up a final clash with Arsenal at Wembley in March.
Omar Marmoush was the star of the show, scoring twice to put City in control. The Egyptian forward, who joined in January, expressed his delight at reaching his first final. “We showed a very good mentality together as a team from the very first minute,” he said. “I am very happy to score two goals and hopefully we can win the trophy.”
Pep Guardiola, now through to his fifth League Cup final, praised his team’s intensity. “With Newcastle you are never in control completely,” he said. “A 5-1 aggregate is unbelievable. We started really well and James Trafford is a top-class keeper. It is a pleasure to play against Arsenal, the best team in Europe right now.” Guardiola also expressed frustration that new signing Marc Guehi will be ineligible for the final due to registration rules.
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe lamented his side’s slow start. “It was the start we didn’t want. Joe Willock had a good chance but we didn’t take it, and that took the game away from us. We were guilty of missing good opportunities. I’m disappointed we couldn’t execute our style of play.” Howe confirmed that Anthony Gordon was substituted due to a hamstring problem, though he believes it is not too serious.
Tijjani Reijnders, speaking after the match, said: “We were eager to go to the final and showed that from the first minute. I am going to Wembley for the first time and we want to win the cup. Arsenal are a really balanced team, but we will be very hungry.”
