Manchester City beat Newcastle 3-1 (5-1 agg) to reach the Carabao Cup final v Arsenal. For bettors: City are the clear favorite to lift the trophy, but their second‑half struggles and a busy schedule make first-half markets (City lead HT) or cautious pre-match bets sensible; in-play opportunities may arise if City tire. Newcastle’s injury concerns further reduce their odds.
City march into Carabao Cup final after 3-1 win over Newcastle
Manchester City sealed a 3-1 victory at the Etihad, completing a 5-1 aggregate win to book a Wembley date with Arsenal on March 22. Omar Marmoush opened the scoring inside seven minutes, nodding home from close range, before Tijjani Reijnders added a decisive third before the break. Anthony Elanga pulled one back in the second half with his first goal for Newcastle.
Second-half worries for Guardiola’s side
Recurring lapses after the interval
City’s second-half form remains a talking point. The champions struggled to find the net after the break in domestic games this calendar year, and fatigue from a congested fixture list — a match roughly every three days in recent weeks — has shown. Early second-half turnovers invited scares, and while Pep Guardiola introduced Erling Haaland, Rodri and Rayan Cherki to steady the ship, the pattern of sloppy restarts persists.
Newcastle’s Etihad curse and home hoodoo
Under pressure visiting support, Newcastle’s fans remained vocal despite the result. The club have now gone years without an Etihad victory and have found it difficult to break the ground’s pattern of results. This season’s trip continued a long run of poor returns at Manchester City’s stadium, with only scarce bright moments for the visitors.
Key injuries and Newcastle’s attacking outlook
Anthony Gordon was forced off late in the first half clutching his left thigh and appeared to indicate a hamstring issue. The blow comes at a difficult time: Newcastle have not strengthened in the recent transfer window and must juggle multiple competitions. Elanga’s fine second-half goal — his first for the club since arriving from Nottingham Forest — offers a glimmer of hope, but consistency will be required if he is to fill Gordon’s tempo-setting role.
Reijnders: flashes of genuine quality
Tijjani Reijnders produced one of his stronger displays for City, showing his ability to carry the ball over distance and link attack phases effectively.
Although still settling and inconsistent at times, his forward bursts helped unlock Newcastle and his finishing underlines the potential impact he can bring if he continues adapting to City’s system.
Trafford impresses in goal
James Trafford grasped his opportunity between the posts with a string of confident saves, denying dangerous Newcastle moments and demonstrating composure on the ball.
His performance strengthens City’s depth in goal and gives Guardiola options ahead of the final, although the presence of Gianluigi Donnarumma keeps the established pecking order intact for now.
What’s next
Manchester City head to Liverpool in the Premier League on Sunday, February 8, while Newcastle travel to Brentford on Saturday, February 7. Both fixtures will test squad depth and fitness as the season intensifies.
Man City vs. Newcastle score, stats, talking points as Marmoush double fires
Marmoush scored twice as City sealed their spot in the final, where they will face Mikel Arteta's Arsenal on March 22
Theathleticuk
