Key Takeaways:
- Manchester City triumphed 3:1 over Newcastle at the Etihad Stadium, sealing a 5:1 aggregate semi-final win in the Carabao Cup
- Omar Marmoush registered a brace in the 7th and 29th minutes, while Tijjani Reijnders added a third for City in the 32nd minute
- Manchester City will now face Arsenal at Wembley in the Carabao Cup final, after ending Newcastle’s hopes of a title defence
Match Analysis: City Take Command Early
Manchester City displayed ruthless efficiency at home as they secured a 3:1 victory in the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final clash with Newcastle United, confirming their position in the final with a 5:1 aggregate. Despite resting several key figures, Pep Guardiola’s selection delivered a clinical performance, overwhelming the visitors from the outset.
Omar Marmoush opened the scoring in the 7th minute, taking advantage of a defensive mix-up to give City an early lead. Newcastle came close to an immediate response, when Nick Woltemade set up Joe Willock for a one-on-one, only for James Trafford to deny the opportunity. The hosts continued to dominate, with Tijjani Reijnders and Antoine Semenyo both causing problems for the Newcastle defence in quick succession.
The stats behind our semi-final win 📊
🤝 @okx | #StatWrap pic.twitter.com/0s5pOKmbLr
— Manchester City (@ManCity) February 4, 2026
Newcastle’s best early chance fell to Anthony Gordon, but again Trafford was equal to the effort. Kieran Trippier later forced a confident save from the City goalkeeper with a free-kick in the 29th minute, but City responded in devastating fashion. A rapid counter saw Semenyo deliver a cross which Trippier failed to clear, presenting Marmoush with a simple header to make it 2:0. Within three minutes, City struck again as Semenyo’s run led to a loose ball inside the box, which Reijnders dispatched for a 3:0 advantage.
Newcastle’s Resistance and City’s Missed Opportunities
Both sides introduced substitutes at the interval, and Newcastle found renewed energy after the break. Substitute Yoane Wissa burst through but failed to capitalise with a weak finish. Wissa was involved again in the 55th minute, going down in the penalty area under a challenge from Max Alleyne, but the referee waved away appeals for a spot-kick. City remained dangerous on the counter, with Reijnders going close again but missing the target.
The visitors finally pulled one back in the 63rd minute, as Anthony Elanga slalomed through City’s defence before finishing confidently to make it 3:1. Newcastle thought they had further reduced the deficit when Harvey Barnes found the net in the 67th minute, but the effort was ruled out for offside. Elanga then spurned another golden chance in the 70th minute, failing to convert when through on goal.
Marmoush nearly completed his hat-trick in the 80th minute but sent his shot over the bar, and within moments Wissa missed from close range after good work from Elanga. City introduced Erling Haaland late on, and his powerful effort drew an excellent save from Aaron Ramsdale, who was also called upon to deny Rayan Cherki’s free-kick and kept out another Haaland shot in the closing stages.
City’s Route to the Final and Next Steps
With this comprehensive victory, Manchester City progress to the Carabao Cup final at Wembley, where they will face Arsenal. Newcastle’s hopes of defending their title end at the semi-final stage, despite some spirited moments in the second leg.
Guardiola’s tactical rotations paid dividends, showing the squad’s considerable depth. Meanwhile, Eddie Howe’s men will now turn their focus back to their league campaign, having fallen short in their quest for back-to-back silverware.
