Match Report & Player Ratings: Manchester City 3-1 (5-1) Newcastle (Carabao Cup Semi-Final Second Leg) | OneFootball

Manchester City will face Arsenal in the 2026 Carabao Cup final at Wembley Stadium following a straightforward victory over Newcastle, helped by Omar Marmoush’s first-half double. 

After scoring his first Premier League goal of the season against Wolves last month, the Egypt international was once again given the chance to impress in the shadow of Erling Haaland, and did just that quintessentially. 

Following a positive press and motivated start from City, Marmoush gave his side the lead with a fortunate yet deserved goal after seven minutes before doubling his tally shortly before the half-hour mark. 

That wasn’t the end of the onslaught from Pep Guardiola’s side, but Tijjani Reijnders’ goal only three minutes after Marmoush’s second helped place the attention back on the pitch after stories shone the spotlight elsewhere over the past week. 

Across the last few days, football has been swarmed by reports suggesting Guardiola could leave Manchester City at the end of the ongoing season, which provides the suggestion that winning a tournament this season will be of the utmost importance. 

With the hope of reaching yet another domestic final as City boss, Guardiola’s side already had one foot in the door before a ball was kicked here after a 2-0 win in the first-leg, yet a 5,000-strong army of Newcastle supporters were never going to roll over at the half-way point of their 282-mile round trip.

Understandably, Eddie Howe’s side came into the second leg aggressive as ever but his game plan backfired massively and the away side were largely exposed in the first 32 minutes, conceding three goals and going 5-0 down on aggregate. 

Marmoush, who scored his first hat-trick in City colours against the Magpies less than a month after joining the club 12 months ago, stood out in the shadow of Haaland who started the game on the bench. 

Yet much of the credit for City’s strong start should go down to Reijnders, who played a part in both goals before scoring the third himself. The Netherlands international supplied Marmoush with a give-and-go before a ricochetted chance off Dan Burn on the left side of the penalty area looped over Aaron Ramsdale in the seventh minute. 

Chances came from Reijnders, Nico O’Reilly and Antoine Semenyo in the opening 20 minutes but it was Marmoush’s second, nine minutes later, which summed up a night which only got worse for the visitors. 

Kieran Trippier had a 24-yard free-kick collected rather easily by James Trafford before Guardiola’s side went up the other end, sanctioning Newcastle with a piercing and successful counter that ended with Marmoush heading into the back of the net from less than a yard. 

Then Reijnders posed a more direct threat, driving up the pitch before the ball found its way back to him inside the penalty area, where he fired his side into an even bigger, and at that point unassailable, advantage.

It wasn’t as if Howe’s side were completely out of it and early opportunities could have changed the shape of the game if Willock and Anthony Gordon were both clinical in the final third.

The positives came for Newcastle at last and Elanga managed to pull one back with a show of individual excellence after weaving in and around multiple blue shirts to send a curling effort off the post at the far corner. In additional, Harvey Barnes threatened to initiate a push for late pressure after slotting the ball into the far corner, but it was disallowed after an offside was found in the build-up.

Here’s how we rated the Manchester City players following their victory over Newcastle United in the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-finals!

Player Ratings

Starting XI

James Trafford – 7 (POTM)

Prevented what would have been a guaranteed goal inside nine minutes when Willock tried to take the ball around him before denying Gordon a little over 10 minutes later. Made superb saves throughout the remainder and deserving of a high rating.

Matheus Nunes – 5

Got outplayed by Lewis Hall and picked up an avoidable yellow card, which have the Magpies a free-kick just outside the area.

Abdoukodir Khusanov – 6

Was strong in defence having played the entirety despite being caught out on the odd occasions in the second period. The injuries to Gvardiol and Dias have ruined City in recent weeks but, undoubtedly, have improved his individual talent as a result of picking up more minutes. 

Nathan Ake – 5

Looked hesitant in defence and perhaps that was the reason why Guardiola’s replaced him at the interval.

Rayan Ait-Nouri – 6.5

Drew fouls down the left and played well once again. There is no doubt he is currently the club’s best left-back with close competition from O’Reilly of course. Injuries seem to be behind him and City can finally reap the rewards of his influence again. 

Nico Gonzalez – 6

Was strong in midfield throughout before going off after 83 minutes. An ascending talent who was shaky against Spurs at the weekend but regular minutes will only help him return to his peak.

Nico O’Reilly – 6

Worked excellently along the left side with Ait-Nouri and was unassailable for large parts. His ability to drift in wide has improved massively, and you wouldn’t be surprised if he returns to midfield one day. 

Tijjani Reijnders – 7.5

This was without a doubt his finest performance in a City shirt so far. It was reminiscent of his debut against Wolves at the start of the season and here he was threatening from everywhere. His ability to drive to goal but maintain difference-making vision is superb; he showed every strength here. 

Antoine Semenyo – 7

There were many occasions where his press was flawless, particularly early when Lewis Hall lost the ball as a result of the City attacker’s urgency. Played a big part in the goals and showed why he is worth £65 million. 

Phil Foden – 5.5

Started well and pressed brilliantly in the early stages to trap Woltemade on a couple of occasions. He has a unique talent in tight spaces and must use that more in the future. There were still times where he was wasteful and that needs to improve. 

Omar Marmoush – 8.5

What a way to replace Haaland once more. A conversion against Wolves last month to score his first Premier League goal of the season before shining here. He loves to play against Newcastle and two first-half goals helped provide stability in the game, and entry into the final of the cup as a result!

Substitutes

Erling Haaland – 6

After coming on, he beat Botman excellently on a blistering run to into the box but failed to convert due to Ramsdale’s superb stop. A positive influence on the game no doubt and it could be argued that Marmoush’s performance fuelled something inside the Norwegian. A much better overall impact than in recent weeks.

Rayan Cherki – 6.5

He was the creator of both of Haaland’s chances late on and made a positive impact, injecting energy and spirit into an otherwise dying game with the result all but confirmed. 

Rodri – 6

Came on after 71 minutes and maintained structure in the midfield, showing great leadership and discipline to keep his side’s advantage as big as possible. 

Rico Lewis – 5

Came on with very little time to play, but didn’t necessarily do anything wrong. A good injection given Gonzalez was on a yellow. No complaints. 

Max Alleyne – 5.5

Came on at the break and kept up with Elanga shortly after the second half, defending strongly and keeping up despite his counterpart’s blistering pace. From his time in the first team so far, he is on the right track to becoming a staple in this defence but must gain more experience, be it at City or elsewhere.