Manchester City Storm Past Newcastle To Book Carabao Cup Final Date With Arsenal
2 min read
By Sedara Philip
Manchester City booked their place in the Carabao Cup final after cruising past holders Newcastle United with a commanding 5–1 aggregate victory in a one-sided semi-final tie.
Newcastle arrived at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday night trailing 2–0 from the first leg and in desperate need of something extraordinary.
Instead, Eddie Howe’s side suffered a nightmare start as Omar Marmoush struck in just the sixth minute to put City firmly in control.
Handed a start in place of Erling Haaland,
Marmoush showed sharp instincts as he nipped in to connect with the ball, his deflected effort looping over Aaron Ramsdale and into the net.
City continued to press, with Ramsdale producing a superb save to deny Tijjani Reijnders shortly afterwards.
Newcastle had moments where they threatened a response, but City goalkeeper James Trafford was equal to the task, brilliantly smothering chances from Joe Willock and Anthony Gordon. Those missed opportunities proved costly.
City tightened their grip on the tie midway through the first half when Marmoush headed home from close range on the half-hour mark.
Reijnders then capitalised on a loose ball before the interval, calmly slotting in to effectively end the contest before half-time.
The second half was largely academic, though Newcastle managed a consolation goal in the 62nd minute when Anthony Elanga curled in a fine effort.
Harvey Barnes later had another goal ruled out, but it did little to change the outcome.
Pep Guardiola’s side saw out the remainder of the match comfortably, sealing their place in a 10th League Cup final. Manchester City will now face Premier League leaders Arsenal in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday, 22 March, at Wembley Stadium.
Sedara Philip is a Sports writer, an administrator,Journalist,and editor
