City dispatch Newcastle for fifth Carabao Cup final slot

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.

- RICHARD JOLLY

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.

"Ten years, five times in Carabao Cup final, it is really good," said Guardiola. "It's a pleasure to play against Arsenal, the best team right now in Europe and maybe the world." Newcastle certainly 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. "I am really annoyed with the first-half display," said Eddie Howe. His side were dispatched from the competition by a much-weakened Manchester City side.

Even as Guardiola gave Erling Haaland 70 minutes of rest, he had the ideal alternative. Some 42 per cent of Omar Marmoush's City goals have been against Newcastle, even if his double came in distinctly fortunate fashion. Newcastle had no such luck, no potency when it mattered. Wembley glory last year came courtesy of Alexander Isak but the Swede is gone and so, now, is their trophy. Anthony Gordon, their outstanding individual over 180 minutes in the 2025 semifinal against Arsenal, went off, hamstrung. It was another indication of how times have changed.