Pep's pride as dominant City secure Wembley date with Arsenal | OneFootball

Pep Guardiola spoke of his pride and satisfaction after seeing a dominant City reach the Carabao Cup final with a decisive 3-1 semi-final second leg win at home to Newcastle.

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A first half brace from Omar Marmoush allied to a strike from Tijjani Reijnders sent the Blues in 3-0 up at the break.

And though the visitors pulled a goal back after the break from Anthony Elanga, it couldn’t detract from a convincing 3-1 win on the night and 5-1 aggregate win overall.

Our reward is a mouth-watering Wembley final against Premier League leaders Arsenal on March 22.

And for the boss it was a fitting way to recognise what was a fine night’s work from his players.

“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.

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“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.

“To reach the final you have to be consistent over two games - 180 minutes and we were really good. In general, to make a 5-1 aggregate is really good.”

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Reflecting further on what was a hugely impressive night’s work, the boss also lauded City’s electric start.

“What I like the most is that we started like it was 0-0. It was 2-0 but we didn’t play to control what we won there, it was completely the opposite,” Pep added.

“We had pace and chances, shots and were aggressive with the ball. Because Newcastle have this incredible attribute, whatever happens over 90 minutes they go, go and go and with the high pressing you have to be more focused.

“Omar was more tired a little bit in the second half and Nico O’Reilly too so you cannot be as aggressive in those positions.

“But come on I know how difficult it is. The last champions of the Carabao Cup.

“Beat them over two games and we did it.”