On February 5, 2026, the second leg of the English League Cup semi-finals took place. Playing at home, Manchester City capitalised on a ruthless first-half display to defeat Newcastle United 3–1, sealing a dominant passage to the final. It marks City’s first League Cup final appearance since 2019.
In the other semi-final, Arsenal completed a double over Chelsea to advance, setting up a heavyweight showdown in the final.
First-Leg Advantage as Guardiola Rotates Again
City carried a clear edge into the return leg after a 2–0 away win in the first meeting. Amid a congested schedule, nine matches in the past month, manager Pep Guardiola continued his cup-rotation policy.
Key players, including Erling Haaland, Rodri, and Gianluigi Donnarumma, started on the bench, yet City’s lineup retained formidable strength.
Newcastle, by contrast, continued to feel the strain of a thinner squad. The Magpies had managed just one win in their previous seven matches across all competitions, reflecting a clear dip in form.
Dream Start: City Strike After Seven Minutes
City wasted no time asserting control. Just seven minutes in, a slick one-two involving Tijjani Reijnders released Omar Marmoush into the box. Dan Burn attempted a clearance, but the ball ricocheted off Marmoush’s leg and into the net, giving City a 1–0 lead.
Marmoush Brace Seals It Before the Break
Newcastle threatened briefly in the 27th minute from a set piece, but Kieran Trippier’s effort was comfortably saved by James Trafford.
City immediately countered: Reijnders orchestrated the move, Semenyo’s cross deflected off Trippier, and Marmoush rose to head home his second of the night.
Five minutes later, with Newcastle pushing numbers forward, City struck again on the break. Reijnders carried the ball over 30 metres before releasing it; a defensive touch from Burn sent the ball back to Reijnders, who finished calmly to make it 3–0.
Newcastle Blunted, City in Full Control
In first-half stoppage time, Sven Botman powered a header toward the corner, only for Trafford to produce a fine save. At the interval, City were three goals up, while Newcastle had mustered just four shots.
After the restart, Newcastle introduced fresh legs in search of momentum, but clear chances remained scarce. In the 55th minute, Marmoush squared unselfishly for Reijnders, whose shot drifted wide.
Later, in the 81st minute, Anthony Elanga delivered a pinpoint cross, yet Yoane Wissa failed to make contact from close range.
Final Awaits: Manchester City vs Arsenal
The final whistle confirmed a 3–1 home win and a 5–1 aggregate victory for Manchester City, booking their place in the League Cup final.
City will now face an in-form Arsenal in the showpiece match, while Newcastle remains mired in a slump, with just one win from their last eight games across all competitions and an urgent need to rediscover momentum.
