Omar Marmoush delivered a timely reminder of Manchester City’s hunger for silverware as Pep Guardiola’s side swept past Newcastle to book a Carabao Cup final showdown with Arsenal.
City completed the job in ruthless fashion at the Etihad Stadium, building on their 2-0 first-leg advantage with a dominant home display to secure a 5-1 aggregate victory and confirm another trip to Wembley.
Marmoush was the central figure, scoring twice inside the opening half hour to put the tie beyond doubt before Tijjani Reijnders added a third on the night, underlining City’s depth and control in knockout competition.
The result sends Guardiola’s team into the March 22 final against Premier League leaders Arsenal, a side chasing multiple trophies this season, while City look to add yet another League Cup to their growing collection.
Despite a decade of sustained success under Guardiola, including six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, a Champions League and four consecutive League Cups between 2018 and 2021, the appetite at the Etihad remains sharp. For Marmoush, who joined the club in January 2025, this final represents a first opportunity to lift silverware in sky blue.
The atmosphere in Manchester reflected that determination from the opening whistle. City pressed aggressively, controlled possession and forced Newcastle deep, with Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva dictating the tempo while the visitors struggled to escape their half.
Newcastle had little time to settle before Marmoush struck. His first came from a swift attacking move that exposed space between the lines, before a second clinical finish soon after ended any lingering doubt about the outcome of the tie.
Reijnders’ goal before the break added further gloss, ensuring City could manage the second half with authority while rotating energy and avoiding unnecessary risks.
After the interval, City remained composed, limiting Newcastle to half-chances and calmly seeing out the contest as Guardiola used the opportunity to manage minutes amid a crowded fixture schedule.
The late stages carried little jeopardy, but the significance of the night was clear. Another final reached, another opportunity to add to the club’s recent dominance, and another statement ahead of a high-stakes meeting with Arsenal.
Attention now briefly shifts back to domestic and European commitments, starting with a demanding Premier League trip to Liverpool, before City return to Wembley with the chance to secure the first major trophy of the 2025–26 campaign and reinforce their reputation as serial winners.
