Newcastle United’s reign as Carabao Cup holders came to a crushing end on Wednesday evening as Manchester City swept them aside 3-1 at the Etihad Stadium, sealing a comprehensive 5-1 aggregate victory in the semi-final.
The Magpies, who claimed the trophy last season by defeating Liverpool in the final, were thoroughly outclassed by Pep Guardiola’s side across both legs.
City will now meet Arsenal at Wembley on 22 March in a showdown between the Premier League’s top two sides.
Both clubs remain in contention for multiple honours this campaign, with the League Cup representing the first opportunity to secure silverware.
Omar Marmoush was in fine form as City’s first-half pasting was enough to end any hope of a Newcastle comeback
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Omar Marmoush proved the difference-maker for the hosts, netting twice in a devastating first-half display that effectively killed the tie.
The Egyptian opened the scoring in the seventh minute when Dan Burn’s attempted clearance ricocheted off him and into the net.
His second arrived midway through the half, heading home from close range after Antoine Semenyo’s cross was cleared into his path.
Tijjani Reijnders completed the first-half demolition three minutes later, finishing coolly after Burn’s tackle on Semenyo inadvertently played him through.
Tijjani Reijnders completed the first-half demolition
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Substitute Anthony Elanga provided Newcastle’s sole response shortly before the hour, cutting inside before finding the far corner with a composed finish.
The heavy defeat has sparked a growing backlash against manager Eddie Howe, with numerous supporters now demanding his departure after five years at the helm.
Frustration among the fanbase centres on what many perceive as a lack of progress, with accusations that the club has stagnated under his leadership.
Tactical decisions during Wednesday’s match drew particular ire, with fans questioning why Howe deployed a defensive five-man backline when his side needed to score twice to reach the final.
Critics argue the manager consistently adopts an overly cautious approach against top-tier opposition, failing to show sufficient ambition in crucial fixtures.
Eddie Howe is coming under increasing pressure as Newcastle boss
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Supporters have taken to social media to voice their discontent in stark terms.
One fan declared: “Eddie Howe greatest manager we’ve had in a generation, but it’s time to go now, we’re not going anywhere, just sitting stagnating, nothing has improved and we’ve gotten worse.”
Another wrote: “Eddie Howe has sucked the life out of the team this season. State of this as a choice of style. Need 2 goals to get to a final – play a back 5. Just rolls over for the bigger teams. No pride at all.”
“Man City WILL punish you if you give them that time and space!”
Micah Richards analyses Marmoush’s goals vs Newcastle 🎯 pic.twitter.com/V2DAbYNAgi
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) February 4, 2026
Others drew comparisons to elite managers who have faced the sack, with one stating: “The man needs sacking. Everyone has their day. Even managers like ancelotti and mourinho have been sacked. Time for a change.”
