Manchester City booked a tantalising Carabao Cup final against Premier League leaders Arsenal by hammering holders Newcastle 5-1 on aggregate in a one-sided semi-final.
Trailing 2-0 heading into the second leg, Eddie Howe’s side needed something special in Wednesday’s return game at Etihad Stadium but endured the worst possible start as Omar Marmoush’s sixth minute goal set City on their way to a 10th final in the competition.
Marmoush, starting in place of Erling Haaland, nipped in and saw a deflected strike loop over Aaron Ramsdale and into the back of the net, while the Newcastle goalkeeper denied Tijjani Reijnders with a stunning save shortly after.
The visitors had chances to hit back but James Trafford did brilliantly to smother the ball at the feet of both Joe Willock and Anthony Gordon – and those near misses proved severe as they were punished by City thereafter.
Marmoush headed in from close range on the half hour mark and Reijnders slotted in a loose ball before half-time to make certain of the tie and allow the home supporters to enjoy a stress-free second period.
Anthony Elanga pulled a goal back for Newcastle on 62 minutes with a fine curling effort and Harvey Barnes had another disallowed.
But the damage had long been done as Pep Guardiola’s side confirmed their place in the League Cup final on Sunday, 22 March at Wembley Stadium.
Man City analysis: Another trip to Wembley for Guardiola
In a week where uncertainty was cast on Guardiola’s long-term future at City, the Spaniard saw his side take apart Newcastle to ensure another crack at glory.
“Wembley again, ole ole,” was the chant from the home faithful at full-time as they prepare to visit the national stadium for the 22nd time since Guardiola’s appointment as boss in 2016.
City’s last trip to the capital for a final ended in a shock FA Cup defeat by Crystal Palace in May, but Guardiola will have the opportunity to make amends by adding a 19th trophy to his illustrious career.
His first piece of silverware came in this competition in 2017, with Mikel Arteta by his side, but Guardiola’s compatriot will now be aiming to plot his downfall and put an end to Arsenal’s tag of ‘nearly men’.
Next month’s final not only pits master against his apprentice, but also the top two sides in English football – the Gunners looking to deal a psychological blow as they hold a six-point lead at the summit of the Premier League.
Newcastle had a monumental task on their hands after Rayan Cherki’s late goal at St James’ Park put City 2-0 ahead, and Marmoush’s first-half double in the second leg killed any hope Eddie Howe and his supporters may have had.
The Egyptian could have had a hat-trick and though he was denied by Ramsdale, the result maintained City’s imperious record against Newcastle, now winning 18 of their past 19 home meetings dating back to 2014, including a remarkable 12 in a row.
