Manchester City booked a place in next month’s EFL Cup final against Arsenal after a 3-1 home win over Newcastle United, securing a 5-1 aggregate victory. Omar Marmoush struck twice in the first half, Tijjani Reijnders added another, and Anthony Elanga’s reply could not change the overall outcome.
Marmoush gave Manchester City control early at the Etihad Stadium with two goals inside 29 minutes. The opening strike came in the seventh minute when Dan Burn’s challenge sent the ball against Marmoush and over Aaron Ramsdale. Later, Marmoush reacted quickest to a miscue from Kieran Trippier to nod in from close range.
Reijnders effectively ended Newcastle’s hopes before half-time, finishing off a swift counter-attack that started in the visitors’ half.
Reijnders carried the ball forward with a driving run before slotting past Ramsdale for City’s third. Soon after, Newcastle’s situation worsened when Anthony Gordon left the pitch injured late in the first period.
The second leg came after Manchester City’s 2-0 first-leg win at St James’ Park, which had already given Pep Guardiola’s side a strong platform. With a Premier League meeting against Liverpool scheduled for Sunday, Guardiola rotated heavily, making six changes and leaving Erling Haaland out of the starting XI.
Despite those alterations, Manchester City showed rhythm from the outset and created chances around Marmoush’s brace and Reijnders’ strike. Newcastle briefly threatened when Joe Willock forced a save from James Trafford, yet City’s early goals removed most of the tension from the tie and allowed the hosts to manage energy across the squad.
Eddie Howe also rotated, particularly after the break, introducing Yoane Wissa and Elanga among several changes. Elanga offered Newcastle a lifeline, cutting inside before firing in off the post during the second half. Either side of that goal, Wissa missed two good openings that might have made the scoreline more competitive.
Manchester City still created more chances in the closing stages. Marmoush missed the opportunity to complete a hat-trick, sending a presentable shot over the bar. Later, substitute Haaland almost added a fourth, but Ramsdale produced a strong stop to keep the margin at two goals on the night.
Manchester City’s progress brings a 10th appearance in an EFL Cup final, making the club the fourth side to reach double figures after Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United. City have now recorded 12 consecutive home wins over Newcastle in all competitions, and 18 victories from their last 19 meetings with the Magpies at the Etihad Stadium.
Marmoush’s display underlined a strong personal record against Newcastle. This match marked the eighth time Marmoush scored multiple goals for a club from Europe’s top five leagues. It was the second such performance for Manchester City, with both braces coming against Newcastle, helping decide each tie early.
