Carabao Cup: Marmoush brace sends Man City into Wembley final with Arsenal

Omar Marmoush scored twice in the first half as Manchester City cruised into the EFL Cup final, booking a Wembley showdown with Arsenal after a commanding 3–1 win over Newcastle United sealed a 5–1 aggregate victory.

City arrived at the Etihad Stadium with a 2–0 advantage from the first leg and wasted little time extinguishing any hopes of a Newcastle comeback.

Pep Guardiola, rotating his side with an eye on the Premier League clash against Liverpool, left Erling Haaland among six changes, but his team showed no lack of sharpness.

The hosts struck in the seventh minute in fortunate fashion when Dan Burn’s attempted challenge saw the ball deflect off Marmoush and loop over goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale.

Newcastle briefly threatened a response, with Joe Willock denied by James Trafford, but City soon tightened their grip on the tie.

Marmoush doubled City’s lead just before the half-hour mark, reacting quickest after Kieran Trippier sliced Antoine Semenyo’s cross straight up into the air, allowing the Egyptian to nod home from close range.

Three minutes later, the contest was effectively over as Tijjani Reijnders completed a slick counter-attack he had initiated himself, driving through midfield before calmly slotting past Ramsdale.

Newcastle’s misery was compounded late in the first half when Anthony Gordon was forced off injured.

Eddie Howe rang the changes at the break, introducing Yoane Wissa and Anthony Elanga in search of a response, and the latter provided a rare highlight when he cut inside and curled an excellent strike off the post and in midway through the second half.

That goal proved little more than consolation. Marmoush blazed over when presented with a chance to complete his hat-trick, while Ramsdale produced a fine save to deny Haaland after the striker emerged from the bench.

City saw out the remainder of the game comfortably, extending their dominant home record against Newcastle.

The result sends Manchester City into their 10th EFL Cup final, making them the fourth club to reach double figures in the competition.

They will face Premier League leaders Arsenal at Wembley on Sunday, March 22, in a clash that could have significant implications for the title race as well as silverware.

Marmoush once again proved decisive against a favoured opponent, recording his eighth career multi-goal performance in Europe’s top five leagues and his second for City—both against Newcastle.

With Guardiola’s side in ruthless form, the Carabao Cup final now promises a compelling tactical duel between Guardiola and his former assistant, Mikel Arteta, on English football’s grandest stage.