Manchester City Book Carabao Cup Final Spot With 5–1 Aggregate Win Over Newcastle
Sports Updated: 05 February 2026 08:21 EAT
Manchester City have advanced to the 2026 EFL Cup final after a 3–1 victory over Newcastle United in the second leg of their semi-final at the Etihad Stadium on 4 February 2026, completing a 5–1 aggregate win. The result sees Pep Guardiola’s side reach Wembley, where they will face Arsenal in the final on 22 March 2026.
City took control early, with Omar Marmoush opening the scoring in the 7th minute following a deflected shot past Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope. Marmoush then doubled the lead in the 29th minute with a close-range finish, giving City a commanding position before halftime.
Tijjani Reijnders added a third goal in the 32nd minute, effectively ending any realistic hope of a Newcastle comeback in the match. City’s first-half dominance highlighted their attacking quality and tactical discipline, leaving the visitors struggling to find a foothold in the game.
Newcastle pulled one back in the second half through Anthony Elanga in the 62nd minute, but the effort was insufficient to change the outcome. Despite their attempt to respond, Newcastle could not breach City’s defensive organisation or regain momentum in the tie.
The aggregate score of 5–1 confirms Manchester City’s progression and ends Newcastle’s defence of the EFL Cup. The holders were unable to match City’s performance across both legs, with the semi-final exposing the gulf in quality between the sides.
City’s win also underlines their consistency in domestic cup competitions under Guardiola. Their ability to control games, create chances, and finish clinically was evident throughout the semi-final, reinforcing their reputation as one of England’s strongest sides.
Looking ahead, City will prepare for the final against Arsenal at Wembley Stadium on 22 March 2026. Arsenal reached the final after eliminating Chelsea, setting up a high-profile showdown between two of the Premier League’s top teams this season.
For Newcastle, the defeat marks a disappointing end to their EFL Cup campaign. The Magpies will now shift focus to the Premier League, aiming to regroup after a heavy semi-final loss and address the defensive and attacking challenges highlighted by City over the two legs.
Tags: Efl Efl Carabao Cup Arsenal Fc Carabao Cup Manchester City Sports Journalism Newcastle United Editor's Pick
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FELIX MAKONA
FACT FINDER AND DATA DRIVEN JOURNALIST. DATA MINING AT IT'S BEST. GET FACTS RANGING FROM MATTERS DISABILITY AND INCLUSION, POLITICS, ECONOMY, SPORTS AND GENERAL NEWS AROUND THE WORLD