Man City vs Newcastle live: Hosts seal Carabao Cup final place after first-half brace from Marmoush

Pep Guardiola’s claim to greatness stems from much more than just the Carabao Cup but a man who has won much else is now one victory away from being out on his own as the most successful manager in its history. Only the ally turned enemy, Mikel Arteta, who was by his side for the first two of his four Wembley triumphs in this competition, can deny him a fifth, which would take him clear of Brian Clough, Jose Mourinho and Sir Alex Ferguson.

Newcastle could not halt him. Their defence of their first major trophy since 1969 ended with a whimper. Their chances of a comeback were all but ended inside seven minutes, gone completely after 32 minutes and snuffed out in part by the goalkeeper they forever try to buy. They were dispatched from the competition by a much-weakened Manchester City side.

Newcastle United face a worsening injury crisis after Anthony Gordon was subbed off during the first half of their Carabao Cup semi-final clash against Manchester City with a hamstring issue.

With 43 minutes on the clock, Aaron Ramsdale sent a long ball forward for Gordon, playing on the left wing, to chase down. The winger set up but checked his run before dropping to the floor and signalling to City’s Phil Foden that his hamstring had gone.

The Newcastle physios provided some treatment for Gordon, including massaging his left hamstring, and the 24-year-old managed to hobble off to the side of the pitch before being replaced by Harvey Barnes before the break.

Manchester City have won the League Cup a total of eight times – only Liverpool have won it more – and four of those have come under Pep Guardiola.

The Spaniard won four League Cups in a row between 2017/18 and 2020/21, and he’ll contest his fifth final in this competition on 22 March at Wembley.

"We showed a very good mentality. We were together as a team, from the first minute we were very focused on the job,” says Manchester City goalscorer Omar Marmoush on Sky.

“We showed our mentality and passion and are very happy to reach the final.

“The first goal was very lucky, my touch wasn't the best but the ball went in. I try to make the runs and be in the right place and I am very happy to score two goals."

“I wished to get the hat-trick today but I am very happy to score two goals and it gives us all confidence to win the game and hopefully we can win the final."

“It's one of the biggest clubs in the world. We are here to win trophies. 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 that were here. They showed us that every medal and every silverware is important,” he added as he finished.

The referee brings the game to an end and Man City will face Arsenal in the Carabao Cup final in March!

A dominant win over Newcastle in both legs takes Pep Guardiola’s side to a fifth League Cup final of his stewardship.

90 mins

Into the first of two minutes of added time here as Newcastle’s trophy defence comes to an end.

88 mins

City doing everything they need to to manage the end of this game at the moment, knocking around the ball confidently in midfield.

Cherki tries his luck from range but it’s blocked.

86 mins

City win a free-kick but the delivery is straight at Ramsdale.

The hosts come again though, and Haaland forces another save from the Newcastle ‘keeper after once again being tee’d up by Cherki.

In the meantime, Guardiola brings off Gonzalez for Rico Lewis.

The latest reaction from Richard Jolly at the Etihad:

“The chances Newcastle have created in the second half may make them wish they had fielded a more attacking line-up from the start. Elanga and Barnes have made a difference, but each was only a substitute.”