Putting in a rampant second-leg performance on Wednesday night, Manchester City stormed their way to this season’s EFL Cup final as they claimed a thumping 3-1 victory against Newcastle.

Returning to the Etihad in midweek holding an early advantage as they claimed an eye-catching 2-0 victory at St. James’ Park on January 13th, Pep Guradiola’s men certainly made a major statement here.

Watching Egyptian ace Omar Marmoush bag a pair of strikes in the opening 30 minutes, Tijani Reijnders added a third before the break and wrapped up a sensational performance for the eight-time EFL Cup champions.

While ex-Manchester United youngster Anthony Elanga might have notched a tremendous solo consolation strike for the Magpies, it was nothing more than a minor boost for a leggy Newcastle and their summer recruit also squandered another wonderful opportunity just moments after finding the net.

Storming their way to Wembley on March 22nd, the Sky Blues will meet bitter title rivals Arsenal in north London for what will certainly be a blockbuster battle next month.

As for Newcastle, relinquishing their maiden EFL Cup trophy with a real whimper on Wednesday, the Magpies rightfully cut frustrated figures at the full-time whistle and they will be bracing themselves for a public backlash over the coming days.

On a night when Guardiola’s men swept aside the now-former EFL Cup champions, we have taken a look at the main talking points from the Etihad.

EFL Cup success should be a priority for City

Suffering yet another public slip-up over the weekend as they eventually had to settle for a 2-2 stalemate away at a struggling Tottenham, Manchester City watched their Premier League title dreams take a major dent.

Now sat six points adrift of runaway leaders Arsenal, Guardiola’s superstar squad have an almighty battle on their hands in the race to reclaim their domestic crown in 2026.

Signing off last season without a single piece of silverware to show for their troubles and forced to settle for a bronze medal finish among England’s elite, City should be starting to prioritise EFL Cup success.

Laying down a real semi-final marker over the past few weeks and cruising past the reigning EFL Cup champions, success at Wembley on March 22nd could prove to be the only domestic title that City get their hands on this season.

Knowing that stability is key going forward, Guardiola’s side will once again steal centre stage this weekend when they travel to Anfield for a heavyweight showdown against bitter foes and defending Premier League champions Liverpool on Sunday afternoon.

Newcastle’s glaring domestic struggles on the road

While Newcastle might have booked a Champions League play-off ticket last week, it has been suggested that Eddie Howe still finds some serious pressure on his shoulders at St. James’ Park.

Completely blown away in the first-half here and watching the defence of their EFL Cup crown come to and end with a whimper, the former Bournemouth boss will be bracing himself for a real backlash.

Failing to pick up any kind of momentum over the weekend as they slumped to a 4-1 drumming away at Liverpool, Newcastle have continued to show some remarkable extended issues away from Tyneside.

Despite signing off 2025 with a 3-1 victory against leading relegation candidates Burnley, the Magpies have only collected a pair of domestic wins away from St. James’ Park across all competitions over the past nine months.

Watching England international Anthony Gordon limp off with a suspected first-half hamstring injury, Newcastle fans couldn’t have dreamt of a worst way to spend a Wednesday night in Manchester.

Marmoush could play a leading role over the coming weeks

Missing out on the chance to claim an AFCON medal while away with Egypt last month, there was also plenty of speculation over Marmoush’s future at the Etihad.

Only arriving in the blue half of Manchester 13 months ago, the former Eintracht Frankfurt has failed to hold down a regular first-team spot under Guardiola despite flashes of a real potential.

However, putting Newcastle to the sword on Wednesday night and spearheading City’s charge, the 26-year-old certainly grabbed his opportunity to deputise for Erlng Haaland.

While the Norwegian record-breaker might be cruising his way to yet another Premier League Golden Boot, Haaland has struggled to find his destructive best on either side of opening the New Year.

Watching their striking superstar remarkably notch just a single Premier League strike since back on Decenmver 20th, Marnoush’s performance on Wednesday could hand Guardiola a much-welcomed option.

Match Report

Manchester City: Trafford, Nunes, Khusanov, Are, Ait-Nouri, Reijnders, Gonzalez, O’Reilly, Foden, Marmoush, Semenyo

Subs: Haaland, Cherki, Lewis, Alleyne

Newcastle: Ramsdale, Burn, Batman, Thiaw, Trippier, Hall, Tonali, Ramsey, Gordon, Willock, Woltemade

Subs: Wissa, Barnes, Elanga, Murphy, Oslua

Goals: Manchester City: Marmoush (7’, 29’), Reijnders (32’) – Newcastle: Elanga (62′)

Yellow Cards: Gonzalez, Rodri, Nunes

Red Cards: N/A

Referee: Tony Harrington