Manchester, England — Manchester City booked their place in the 2026 Carabao Cup final after a commanding 3-1 victory over Newcastle United at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday night. The result sealed a 5-1 aggregate win over the defending cup holders and sets up a March 22 showdown with Arsenal at Wembley.
City wasted little time stamping their authority on the tie. In front of a roaring Etihad crowd, Omar Marmoush was the catalyst for City’s dominance, netting a brace with goals in the 7th and 29th minutes. Midfielder Tijjani Reijnders then added a third just before the half-hour mark, effectively putting the tie beyond Newcastle’s reach well before halftime.
Despite falling into an early deficit, Newcastle showed moments of fight in the second half. Anthony Elanga pulled a goal back in the 62nd minute to give the visitors some hope, but the difference in quality and control was too great for Eddie Howe’s side to bridge.
Manager Pep Guardiola rang the changes from recent league outings but still saw his side dominate possession and create the clearer chances throughout the night. City’s first-half pressing and fluid attacking play left Newcastle struggling to establish rhythm or claw back momentum.
Marmoush, who has enjoyed a breakout season with City, was particularly impressive, while City’s defensive structure helped suffocate Newcastle’s transitions — a key to maintaining control after building an early lead.
For Newcastle, the defeat marks the end of their Carabao Cup defence. Manager Eddie Howe acknowledged his team’s effort but lamented their defensive lapses and missed opportunities to stem City’s attacking flow.
With this result, Manchester City advance to their latest Carabao Cup final, where they will face Arsenal, who progressed on the other side of the draw. The final on March 22 promises to be a high-profile clash between two of the Premier League’s top sides.
City now turn their attention back to the Premier League, but this cup success signals Guardiola’s continued intent to add more silverware to an already glittering managerial CV.
