Manchester City secured their place in the Carabao Cup final with a commanding 3-1 victory over Newcastle United at the Etihad Stadium, winning the semi-final 5-1 on aggregate. Omar Marmoush was the star of the show, scoring twice to set up a final showdown with Arsenal at Wembley in March.
City raced into an early lead, with Marmoush’s first goal coming just minutes into the match. Newcastle had a chance to equalise through Joe Willock but failed to capitalise, and City extended their advantage before half-time. The second half saw Newcastle improve, but they could only manage a consolation goal as City’s defence held firm.
Speaking after the match, Pep Guardiola praised his team’s intensity: “With Newcastle you are never in control completely... 5-1 aggregate is unbelievable. We started really well. Omar’s movement is top.” He also expressed frustration over the eligibility of new signing Marc Guehi, who cannot play in the final due to registration rules: “I don’t understand why he cannot play... hopefully they can change it.”
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe lamented his side’s slow start: “It was the start we didn’t want... the first half was really difficult. We were guilty of missing some good opportunities. On the balance of opportunities, it could have been very different.” He confirmed that Anthony Gordon was substituted with a hamstring problem, though he said it did not appear too serious.
Tijjani Reijnders, who also spoke to Sky Sports, described the team’s performance as “amazing” and said he was eager to reach Wembley for the first time. “We want to win the cup,” he added. The final against Arsenal promises to be a tough contest, with Guardiola acknowledging Arsenal’s current form: “The best team right now in Europe, maybe the world.”
