New Delhi, 05 February (H.S.):

Manchester City clinched their place in the Carabao Cup final on Wednesday evening, by defeating Newcastle United 3-1 in the second leg of the semi-final at the Etihad Stadium, securing a commanding 5-1 aggregate triumph and paving the way for a marquee showdown against Premier League frontrunners Arsenal on March 22, 2026, at Wembley Stadium.

Omar Marmoush delivered a virtuoso performance for City, netting a brilliant brace, complemented by Tijjani Reinders' strike, rendering the contest largely one-sided after City's 2-0 first-leg lead; Newcastle mustered a mere consolation through substitute Anthony Elanga.

Marmoush struck first in the seventh minute when Dan Burn's errant tackle deflected the ball into the net off his frame. He doubled the advantage in the 29th minute, capitalising on Kieran Trippier's faulty clearance with a deft header, before Reinders unleashed a ferocious shot from inside the box three minutes later to extend the scoreline to 3-0.

Elanga's 62nd-minute effort offered scant respite for the visitors.Post-match, Marmoush told Sky Sports, We play to win trophies and give our best every day to reach finals and lift silverware.

Manager Pep Guardiola lavished praise on Arsenal, remarking, Arsenal are perhaps not just Europe's, but the world's finest team right now; facing them will make us better.

Arsenal had advanced on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, edging Chelsea 1-0 for a 4-2 aggregate victory. Currently atop the Premier League by six points, Arsenal chase their first league title since 2004, while a Carabao Cup success would gift Mikel Arteta his first major honour since the 2020 FA Cup.

Guardiola eyes his 16th major trophy with City and a fifth League Cup. This final intensifies a fierce rivalry, following City's league triumphs over Arsenal in 2023 and 2024, with both clubs also progressing in the Champions League Round of 16 and FA Cup fourth round.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar