Manchester: Manchester City booked their place in the Carabao Cup final with a commanding 3-1 victory over defending champions Newcastle United at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday night, sealing a comprehensive 5-1 aggregate win in the semi-final.
Pep Guardiola’s side, already holding a 2-0 advantage from the first leg, delivered a ruthless display as Omar Marmoush struck twice to end Newcastle’s hopes of retaining the trophy. The Premier League’s top two sides — City and Arsenal — will now meet in the final at Wembley on March 22.
City made a flying start, taking the lead inside seven minutes when Marmoush capitalised on a defensive mishap, his effort looping over Aaron Ramsdale following a deflection off Dan Burn. Newcastle nearly responded immediately, but James Trafford rushed off his line to deny Joe Willock after a precise through ball from Anthony Gordon.
The hosts continued to apply pressure and doubled their lead when Marmoush headed in at the far post after Kieran Trippier failed to clear Antoine Semenyo’s dangerous cross. City then put the tie beyond doubt before the half-hour mark as Tijjani Reijnders finished off a swift counter-attack to make it 3-0 on the night and 5-0 on aggregate.
Newcastle showed greater urgency after the break and pulled one back through substitute Anthony Elanga, who curled a superb effort past Trafford. However, Eddie Howe’s side were unable to build on the momentum, squandering further chances as City remained largely in control.
Guardiola introduced Erling Haaland late on, and the Norwegian came close to adding a fourth, only to be denied by Ramsdale. The result underlined City’s dominance in the competition — they have now won their last six EFL Cup semi-finals and are aiming for a ninth title overall.
Source: Premier League
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