Manchester City booked their place in the Carabao Cup final with a commanding performance, defeating Newcastle United 3-1 in the second leg at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday and securing a 5-1 aggregate victory.
Omar Marmoush was the star of the show, netting twice within the first 30 minutes, while Tijjani Reijnders added a third to put City firmly in control.
Anthony Elanga’s goal for Newcastle offered a glimmer of hope, but City, easing off in the second half, held on comfortably.
The win sets up a Wembley showdown with Premier League leaders Arsenal and brings Newcastle’s hopes of defending the trophy to a premature end.
The evening worsened for Magpies boss Eddie Howe, as Anthony Gordon limped off injured before halftime.
Marmoush, starting ahead of Erling Haaland, took full advantage of his opportunity. Haaland remained on the bench, likely as Pep Guardiola looked ahead to Sunday’s Premier League clash with Liverpool.
Newcastle’s task seemed doomed early on when Marmoush scored the opener after just seven minutes.
The Egyptian forward burst into the box and, despite being challenged by Dan Burn, the ball ricocheted off his shin and looped over Aaron Ramsdale into the net.
Newcastle had a chance to respond when Gordon set up Joe Willock, but the striker’s hesitation allowed City goalkeeper James Trafford to claim the ball. Gordon also fired wide from another opportunity, while City continued to press.
Marmoush’s second goal came soon after, converting a cross following a misdirected clearance from Kieran Trippier.
Reijnders then added the third, finishing a swift counter after Antoine Semenyo was stopped by Burn. The goal left Newcastle struggling to recover, compounded by Gordon’s injury. Sven Botman did manage a header that Trafford saved, keeping the scoreline manageable for the visitors.
In the second half, Newcastle pressed for a goal. Substitute Yoane Wissa missed a chance early, and a penalty appeal went unheeded after he tangled with Max Alleyne.
Elanga finally gave Newcastle fans something to cheer midway through the second half, curling in a low strike after beating three City defenders. He later missed a clear chance to reduce the deficit further.
City, despite easing off, remained dangerous, with Haaland testing Ramsdale twice late on. Guardiola’s side now awaits Arsenal in the final, having ended Newcastle’s Carabao Cup defence emphatically.
