Manchester City put in a rampant second-leg performance on Wednesday night to storm their way into this season’s EFL Cup final, claiming a resounding 3-1 victory over Newcastle.
Returning to the Etihad in midweek with an early lead as they claimed an eye-catching 2-0 win at St. James’ Park on January 13, Pep Guradiola’s men certainly made an important statement here.
Tijani Reijnders saw top Egyptian player Omar Marmoush score a pair of goals in the first thirty minutes, before adding a third goal before half-time to produce a sensational performance for the eight-time EFL Cup champions.
While ex-Manchester United youngster Anthony Elanga might have scored a great solo consolation move for the Magpies, it was nothing more than a small boost for the leggy Newcastle and their summer recruit also squandered another wonderful opportunity just moments after finding the net.
The Sky Blues storm their way to Wembley on March 22 and meet bitter title rivals Arsenal in north London for what is sure to be a blockbuster clash next month.
As for Newcastle, who relinquished their first EFL Cup trophy to much fanfare on Wednesday, the Magpies rightly posted frustrated numbers at the whistle and will brace for a public backlash in the coming days.
On a night when Guardiola’s men brushed aside the former EFL Cup champions, we took a closer look at the Etihad’s key talking points.
EFL Cup success should be a priority for City
Manchester City suffered another public misstep this weekend as they ultimately settled for a 2-2 stalemate at struggling Tottenham and saw their Premier League title dreams take a major blow.
Now six points behind runaway leaders Arsenal, Guardiola’s superstar team face an almighty battle in the race to regain their national crown in 2026.
City retired last season without a single piece of silverware to show for their troubles and had to settle for a bronze medal among England’s elite. City should start prioritizing EFL Cup success.
By setting a genuine semi-final mark in recent weeks and sailing past the reigning EFL Cup champions, success at Wembley on March 22 could prove to be City’s only domestic title this season.
Knowing that stability for the future is crucial, Guardiola’s side will steal the spotlight again this weekend when they travel to Anfield on Sunday afternoon for a heavyweight showdown against bitter foes and defending Premier League champions Liverpool.
Newcastle’s glaring domestic struggles on the road
Although Newcastle may have booked a Champions League play-off ticket last week, it is suggested that Eddie Howe is still feeling some serious pressure on his shoulders at St. James’ Park.
Completely blown away in the first half here and watching the defense of their EFL Cup crown end with a whimper, the former Bournemouth boss will be bracing himself for a real setback.
Having failed to pick up any kind of momentum this weekend as they slumped to a 4-1 draw at Liverpool, Newcastle have continued to display some notable long-term problems away from Tyneside.
Despite ending 2025 with a 3-1 win against leading relegation candidates Burnley, the Magpies have managed just a pair of home wins away from St. James’ Park in all competitions in the last nine months.
When England international Anthony Gordon limped off in the first half with a suspected hamstring injury, Newcastle fans could not have dreamed of a worst way to spend a Wednesday evening in Manchester.
Marmoush could play a leading role in the coming weeks
Having missed the chance to claim an AFCON medal while away in Egypt last month, speculation about Marmoush’s future at the Etihad has also been rife.
The former Eintracht Frankfurt only arrived in the blue half of Manchester 13 months ago and has failed to hold down a regular first-team place under Guardiola despite flashes of real potential.
However, after putting Newcastle to the sword on Wednesday night and leading City’s attack, the 26-year-old certainly seized the opportunity to replace Erlng Haaland.
While the Norwegian record-breaker may be on his way to yet another Premier League Golden Boot, Haaland is struggling to find his destructive best either side of the opening of the new year.
Considering how their striking superstar has remarkably scored just one Premier League goal since December 20, Marnoush’s performance on Wednesday could provide Guardiola with a very welcome option.
Match report
Manchester City: Trafford, Nunes, Khusanov, Are, Ait-Nouri, Reijnders, Gonzalez, O’Reilly, Foden, Marmoush, Semenyo
subtitles: Haaland, Cherki, Lewis, Alleyne
Newcastle: Ramsdale, Branden, Batman, Thiaw, Trippier, Hal, Tonali, Ramsey, Gordon, Willock, Woltemade
subtitles: Very Vide, Berrns, Barish, Eloya, snare, Oslua
Goals: Manchester City: Marmoush (7′, 29′), Reijnders (32′) – Newcastle: Elanga (62′)
Yellow cards: González, Rodri, Nunes
Red cards: N/A
Referee: Tony Harrington
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