Manchester City secured a mouthwatering Carabao Cup showdown against Premier League pace-setters Arsenal after cruising past Newcastle United 5-1 across two legs in a thoroughly dominant semi-final.
Eddie Howe’s team arrived at the Etihad Stadium already facing a steep uphill climb after a two-goal deficit from the opening match, and their hopes were dented almost immediately on Wednesday night.
Omar Marmoush, drafted in to lead the line instead of Erling Haaland, struck inside six minutes. His effort took a decisive deflection and sailed beyond Aaron Ramsdale, setting the tone for an evening that quickly slipped away from the holders.
Although Ramsdale produced an outstanding stop to deny Tijjani Reijnders soon after, City’s early intensity left Newcastle chasing shadows and struggling to regain control of the tie.
Marmoush and Reijnders put the tie beyond doubt
Newcastle did fashion opportunities to respond, but James Trafford stood firm, bravely blocking close-range efforts from Joe Willock and Anthony Gordon to preserve City’s growing advantage.
Those missed chances proved costly. Marmoush struck again around the half-hour mark, converting from close proximity, before Reijnders capitalised on a loose ball before the interval to all but seal progression.
The comfortable scoreline allowed Pep Guardiola’s side to manage the second half without alarm, much to the delight of the home crowd, who sensed another Wembley appearance long before the final whistle.
Anthony Elanga briefly lifted Newcastle spirits with a well-taken curling finish just past the hour, and Harvey Barnes later saw a goal chalked off, but the contest had already been decided.
Guardiola eyes redemption as Newcastle falter again at the Etihad
The victory ensured City will return to Wembley on Sunday, 22 March, marking the 22nd visit to the national stadium since Guardiola took charge in 2016 and offering a chance to respond to last season’s FA Cup final disappointment against Crystal Palace.
This final also carries a personal subplot, with Guardiola set to face former assistant Mikel Arteta, as Arsenal looks to strike a mental blow while holding a six-point lead at the top of the league.
For Newcastle, the task was always daunting. No side had previously overturned a home first-leg defeat by two or more goals to reach a Carabao Cup final, and their history at the Etihad offered little encouragement.
Gaps in midfield and a stretched defensive unit were ruthlessly exposed before the break, leaving Dan Burn visibly dejected as City’s third goal went in. Despite a livelier spell after halftime and finally ending a long wait to score at this ground, Newcastle’s wastefulness ensured a heavy aggregate loss and a painful end to their trophy defence.
