City sweep Newcastle aside to reach Carabao Cup final

Already 2-0 up on aggregate after our first leg win at St James’ Park. the Blues dismantled the Magpies in the first-half with a superb display of attacking football.

Omar Marmoush grabbed a brace and Tijjani Reijnders added a third as City opened up a 3-0 lead inside 32 minutes at the Etihad.

Newcastle pulled one back just past the hour-mark, but it was too little, too late as we recorded a resounding 5-1 scoreline over the two matches.

The Game in 250 words

City were at our breathless best in the opening 45 minutes against Newcastle United.

Brave and brash, the Blues had effectively booked a place in the Carabao Cup final against Arsenal with barely half-an-hour played.

There were only seven minutes on the clock when our two-goal first leg advantage was increased as Marmoush’s clever interchange saw him race into the box where a Dan Burn challenge saw the ball rebound off the Egyptian, go past Aaron Ramsdale and into the net.

Moments later, Joe Willock looked set to level as he went to round James Trafford only for the City keeper to make a super snatch save to deny the opportunity.

Before 20 minutes had passed, Tijjani Reijnders and Nico O’Reilly had both gone close to scoring a second.

At the other end, on 21 minutes, Trafford denied Anthony Gordon with another fine save.

But the second leg was all-but settled in the space of three minutes as Marmoush headed Semenyo’s deflected cross home at the back post with 29 played.

And three minutes after that the dangerous Antoine Semenyo drove into the Magpies’ box, cut inside before Reijnders took over, slotting a low shot past Ramsdale from 10 yards.

The Magpies improved after the break - they had to - and pulled a goal back through Anthony Elanga just past the hour.

They had another ruled out for offside before Elanga missed a guilt-edged chance to score again on 69 minutes.

But game had been over as a contest long before with the visitors playing for little else but pride.

Star Man: marmoush

Two more goals against Newcastle following his treble against them last season, Omar Marmoush enjoys playing against Eddie Howe’s men.

Full of energy and attacking intent from the start, his goals settled any nerves or doubts that City were heading for Wembley.

A thorn for the visitors throughout, it was terrific stuff from the Egyptian. 

TEAMS

CITY XI: Trafford, Nunes, Khusanov, Ake (Alleyne 46), Ait-Nouri, Nico (Lewis 83), Reijnders, O’Reilly (Rodri 71), Semenyo (Haaland 72), Foden (Cherki 72), Marmoush

Subs: Donnarumma, Dias, Nypan, McAidoo

NEWCASTLE UNITED: Ramsdale, Trippier (Osula 76), Hall (J Murphy 46), Botman, Tonali, Gordon (Barnes 44), Thiaw, Woltemade (Wissa 46), Willock (Elanga 46), Burn, Ramsey

Subs: Pope, A Murphy, Shahar, Neave

Attendance: 41,834

Slick City Counter magpies

We have become accustomed to possession-based football over the past decade or so, and it’s served us spectacularly well.

But as the personnel has changed over the last 18 months, with new players and different skillsets, so our playing style is changing as and when needed.

A couple of seasons back, City playing at home and largely on the counter-attack was not on our agenda.

But against Newcastle, our first three goals were all the result of fast breaks forward that had the Magpies rocking on their heels.

It was exciting, refreshing and adds a new dimension to Pep Guardiola’s armoury that can, at times be devastating.

Trafford shines again

It’s not easy having one of the world’s best goalkeepers ahead of you, but whenever James Trafford is given the chance to shine, he takes it with both hands.

The young England stopper has impressed each time he’s played for the Blues and was outstanding against Newcastle.

Sharp, decisive and athletic, the Blues are fortunate to not only have one world class goalie in Gigio Donnarumma, but two in the shape of James Trafford.

Pep reaction 

“With Newcastle you can never control it completely.

“We had the right players and the rhythm was right in the first half.

“They are a UCL team and top class players, they always make an intense game.

“The guys were really good. 5-1 is unbelievable against the last champions of the Carabao Cup.

“We’re going to travel to London and I’m really happy to be back there in this competition after many years.”

MARMOUSH REACTION

“We showed a very good mentality and we were very together as a team. From the first minute we were very focused on the job and I think we showed our mentality and passion in this game. We’re very happy to reach the final.

“Of course I think the first goal was very lucky. But the action before, I dragged the defender out, played a one two, my touch wasn’t the best but in the end the ball went in. I tried to make the runs always and be in the right place. And I’m very happy to score two goals and help the team reach a final.

“I wish I got the hat-trick today as well but I’m very happy to score the two goals. It gives us, the whole team, the confidence to win the game.

“We give our best every day to reach these finals and win silverware. Hopefully we can do it for all the new players and also the players already here. They showed us that every medal and every silverware is important.”

WHAT IT MEANS

City will take on Arsenal in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley Stadium next month.

The Gunners beat Chelsea 1-0 on Tuesday evening to complete a 4-2 aggregate victory.

The final will be played on Sunday 22 March with a16:30  kick-off (UK) .

Ticket details will be released in due course.

WHAT’S NEXT

The big games keep coming with a trip to Anfield to face defending Premier League champions Liverpool this Sunday.

The game kicks off at 16:30 (UK) as City aim to consolidate second spot in the table.

Then it’s back to the Etihad on 8 February as the Blues entertain Fulham, again in the Premier League, with a 19:30 kick-off. on February 11.