Another trip to Wembley awaits Manchester City in what could be a huge step in this team’s development | OneFootball

Manchester City swept aside Newcastle United in the first half of their Carabao Cup semi-final second-leg tie last night. A brace from Omar Marmoush and a goal from Tijjani Reijnders saw City enter halftime with a 3-nil lead and a 5-nil aggregate lead. Newcastle responded in the second half but they still went down 3-1 at Manchester City’s hands at the Etihad Stadium. With City securing a 5-1 aggregate win, they have secured a place in this season’s Carabao Cup final where they will take on Arsenal at Wembley. The Carabao Cup final figures to be a massive step in this Manchester City side’s development.

Manchester City did what they had to do quickly and efficiently against Newcastle.

Pep Guardiola’s side quickly ended their Carabao Cup semi-final tie against Newcastle last night. They already held a 2-0 aggregate lead after their impressive victory at St. James’ Park in the first leg. Once Omar Marmoush opened the scoring in the seventh minute of last night’s match, there was only one winner of the semi-final tie. Marmoush scored again in the 29th minute, and Tijjani Reijnders made it 3-0 to City in the 32nd minute. The tie was over after Reijnders’ goal, and another trip to Wembley was secure for this Manchester City side.

Newcastle had a go at City in the second half, but their sting was completely out of last night’s match and the semi-final tie by then. Eddie Howe’s side did pull a consolation goal back courtesy of Anthony Elanga and did create other chances to score. But so did Pep Guardiola’s side. In terms of getting the job done last night, Manchester City did exactly what they needed to in a ruthless and efficient manner. Their reward is a Carabao Cup final date against Arsenal at Wembley. That match looms as a massive fixture and is a huge opportunity for this new-look Manchester City side to grow and develop.

A massive opportunity awaits Pep Guardiola’s side in the Carabao Cup final against Arsenal.

Speaking after his team’s Carabao Cup semi-final tie win over Newcastle, Pep Guardiola said he was proud of his team for booking their place in this season’s Carabao Cup final. He also said that the final against Mikel Arteta’s side will be a great experience for his new-look team. Speaking after his team’s resounding win, Pep Guardiola said: “I’m really pleased. It’s not for granted I know how difficult it is. I don’t know how many semi-finals we played so it’s really good. In 10 years, five times [we have reached the] Carabao Cup final so it’s really good. Top, top, top. Except last season we have been an incredible machine there day by day and that’s good.”

“For many of us, myself included, I’m really happy to come back. And for many players that have not been in the final of the Carabao Cup or in a final with this club.”

“It’s a good thing to experience against maybe the best team in Europe or the world right now for many reasons, the way they play and the stats. It will be a good experience for us, hopefully try to arrive in March with everyone fit and ready and we can make a good game against them.”

The Carabao Cup final against Arsenal is the ideal learning opportunity for this Manchester City team. This isn’t the all-conquering City side from years gone by. It is a team learning on the job in a fickle environment. The first landmark they must pass is winning their first trophy together. They will get the opportunity to do that against Mikel Arteta’s side at Wembley. A win over Arsenal, could be the catalyst for Pep Guardiola’s new-look side to grow. It won’t be easy for them up against an Arsenal side that is extremely difficult to beat. However, if City can overcome Arsenal at Wembley it could be looked back upon as the moment that this City side took a giant stride in their development.

Final thoughts.

Manchester City earned their place in this season’s Carabao Cup final with a dominant 5-1 aggregate win over Newcastle in their Carabao Cup semi-final tie. They have now earned themselves a massive opportunity and how they perform at Wembley will be fascinating to watch unfold in this season’s Carabao Cup final.