SOCCER: Ruthless Man City thump Newcastle to reach League Cup final

MANCHESTER, England – Omar Marmoush scored twice as Manchester City booked a spot in the League Cup final with a convincing 3-1 win over Newcastle United on Wednesday, completing a 5-1 aggregate victory in the semi-final.

City were dominant from the start, with Tijjani Reijnders also finding the net. The win sets up a March 22 final at Wembley against Arsenal, in a showdown between City manager Pep Guardiola and his former assistant Mikel Arteta.

“We showed a very good mentality,” Marmoush told Sky Sports. “We were together as a team, from the first minute we were very focused on the job. We showed our mentality and passion and are very happy to reach the final. We are here to win trophies and give our best every day. Hopefully, we can do it for all the new players and those who have been here.”

Trailing 2-0 from the first leg, Newcastle were hit early as Marmoush’s shot deflected off defender Dan Burn and into the net in the sixth minute. The Egypt international added a second goal with a close-range header from Antoine Semenyo’s cross, marking his 12th goal for City this season, five of which have come against Newcastle at the Etihad Stadium.

City added a third before halftime, with Semenyo setting up Reijnders for the finish. Newcastle pulled one back shortly after the hour mark when substitute Anthony Elanga showcased quick feet and curled his effort past James Trafford. Elanga later missed two excellent chances, while City’s Erling Haaland nearly extended the lead with a shot that brushed the post.

City have won the League Cup eight times, including four consecutive titles between 2018 and 2021, second only to Liverpool’s 10 wins. Arsenal, meanwhile, have not lifted the trophy in 33 years, claiming it twice previously.

-Reporting by Nick Said; Editing by Toby Davis/Reuters