Manchester Metropolis produced an outstanding efficiency within the second leg on Wednesday evening, storming to this season’s EFL Cup last with an emphatic 3-1 victory over Newcastle.
Pep Graziola’s aspect actually made a giant assertion right here, having returned to the Etihad in midweek with an early benefit following a powerful 2-0 win at St James’s Park on January 13.
Egypt ace Omar Marmouche scored two objectives within the opening half-hour, whereas Tijani Lijnders added a 3rd earlier than the break, capping off a sensational efficiency for the eight-time EFL Cup champions.
Former Manchester United teenager Anthony Elanga might have scored a shocking solo strike in opposition to the Magpies, nevertheless it was little inspiration for long-legged Newcastle, who squandered one other nice likelihood simply moments after the summer time recruit discovered the again of the online.
The Sky Blues stormed Wembley on March 22 and can face title rivals Arsenal in north London subsequent month in what is certain to be an enormous battle.
As for Newcastle, they surrendered their maiden EFL Cup trophy on an actual whimper on Wednesday, however the Magpies will rightly reduce off their disgruntled followers on the last whistle and brace themselves for a public backlash over the approaching days.
On the evening Guardiola’s aspect dominated the previous EFL Cup champions, we lined the principle tales from the Etihad Airways.
Success within the EFL Cup must be Metropolis’s high precedence
Manchester Metropolis noticed their goals of successful the Premier League come to an finish as they suffered one other public slip-up over the weekend, finally having to accept a 2-2 stalemate away at struggling Tottenham.
Presently sitting six factors behind leaders Arsenal, Guardiola’s celebrity workforce are in an omnipotent race to regain the home title in 2026.
Metropolis ought to begin prioritizing success within the EFL Cup after ending final season ineffectively because of accidents and having to accept a bronze medal amongst England’s elite.
Their success at Wembley on March 22 might be Metropolis’s solely home title of the season, having constructed a strong benchmark for a spot within the semi-finals in current weeks, overtaking the reigning EFL Cup champions.
Guardiola’s aspect, conscious that stability might be key going ahead, might be again within the highlight this weekend after they journey to Anfield for a heavyweight showdown with their opponents and defending Premier League champions Liverpool on Sunday afternoon.
Newcastle’s apparent home struggles on the highway
Newcastle might have booked their ticket for the Champions League play-offs final week, nevertheless it has been advised that Eddie Howe should really feel quite a lot of stress on his shoulders at St James’ Park.
Right here, the previous Bournemouth supervisor might be bracing himself for an actual backlash after seeing his aspect utterly battered within the first half and seeing their EFL Cup crown on the road come to an finish.
Newcastle didn’t regain momentum on the weekend after falling 4-1 away to Liverpool and continued to point out noticeable issues in extra-time in opposition to Tyneside.
Regardless of ending 2025 with a 3-1 win over relegation favorites Burnley, the Magpies have solely received twice domestically from St James’ Park in all competitions over the previous 9 months.
Newcastle followers could not have dreamed of a worse option to spend Wednesday evening in Manchester, as they watched England worldwide Anthony Gordon hobble off with a suspected hamstring harm within the first half.
Marmouche might play a number one function within the coming weeks
There has additionally been a lot hypothesis about Marmouche’s future on the Etihad after lacking out on an AFCON medal in opposition to Egypt final month.
The previous Eintracht Frankfurt man, who solely joined Manchester’s blue half 13 months in the past, was unable to take care of a daily spot within the first workforce beneath Guardiola regardless of exhibiting glimpses of his potential.
However the 26-year-old, who spearheaded Metropolis’s assault in opposition to Newcastle on Wednesday evening, has firmly secured his likelihood to interchange Ern Haaland.
Whereas the Norwegian record-breaker could also be on his option to one other Premier League Golden Boot, Haaland has struggled to seek out his disruptive greatest on both aspect to begin the brand new 12 months.
Marnoush’s efficiency on Wednesday might give Guardiola a much-needed choice, because the prodigious celebrity has scored only one objective within the Premier League since December twentieth.
Match report
Manchester Metropolis: Trafford, Nunez, Kusanov, Ale, Ait Nouri, Reynders, Gonzalez, O’Reilly, Foden, Marmouche, Semenho.
Sub: Harland, Cherki, Lewis, Alleyne
Newcastle: Ramsdale, Byrne, Batman, Chiau, Trippier, Corridor, Tonali, Ramsey, Gordon, Willock, Waltemaid.
Sub: Berry Vide, Burns, Barish, Eloya, Snare, Osulua
the objective: Manchester Metropolis: Marmouche (7′, 29′), Reinders (32′) – Newcastle: Elanga (62′)
Yellow card: Gonzalez, Rodri, Nunez
Purple card: Not relevant
Referee: tony harrington
