Man City to face Arsenal in 2026 EFL Cup final after 3-1 win
Man City to face Arsenal in 2026 EFL Cup final after 3-1 win at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday night, as Pep Guardiola’s side produced a clinical display to overwhelm Newcastle United. Entering the second leg with a 2-0 cushion from the first encounter at St James’ Park, the Citizens wasted no time in extinguishing any hopes of a Magpies miracle. A first-half brace from Egyptian star Omar Marmoush and a clinical strike from Tijjani Reijnders secured a 5-1 aggregate triumph, booking a heavyweight date at Wembley Stadium on March 22.
A Dominant Opening Half at the Etihad
The match began with a relentless intensity that has become the hallmark of Guardiola’s tenure. Only six minutes were on the clock when the breakthrough arrived. Omar Marmoush, who has been in scintillating form since his move to Manchester, capitalized on a fortunate deflection following a challenge from Dan Burn. The ball looped over Newcastle keeper Aaron Ramsdale, sending the home crowd into raptures and effectively ending the contest as a spectacle.
Despite the early setback, Newcastle United attempted to fight back. Joe Willock saw a golden opportunity smothered by James Trafford, but the gaps left by the Magpies’ high press were ruthlessly exploited. In the 29th minute, Marmoush struck again, nodding home a deflected Antoine Semenyo cross at the back post. Before the visitors could catch their breath, Tijjani Reijnders made it 3-0 on the night (5-0 on aggregate) with a low, driving finish from ten yards out.
Elanga’s Moment of Brilliance for the Magpies
The second half saw Eddie Howe introduce fresh legs, including Anthony Elanga, in a bid to restore pride. The tactical shift bore fruit in the 62nd minute when Elanga produced a stunning individual effort. Cutting in from the right wing, he unleashed a curling strike that beat Trafford and clipped the inside of the post on its way in.
While the goal gave the traveling Newcastle supporters something to cheer, the damage was already done. Manchester City managed the remainder of the game with veteran poise, even bringing on Erling Haaland and Rodri late in the half to see out the result. The final whistle confirmed that Man City to face Arsenal in 2026 EFL Cup final after 3-1 win was the definitive headline of the evening.
Match Summary: City vs. Newcastle
| Stat | Manchester City | Newcastle United |
| Score | 3 | 1 |
| Aggregate | 5 | 1 |
| Possession | 58% | 42% |
| Shots (On Target) | 14 (6) | 11 (3) |
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Heavyweight Wembley Showdown: City vs. Arsenal
The result sets up a mouth-watering “Master vs. Apprentice” clash. On March 22, 2026, Manchester City will take on Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal at Wembley Stadium. This will be a repeat of the 2018 final, a game City won 3-0, but this time the stakes feel even higher. Both clubs are currently battling for the Premier League title, making this EFL Cup final a potential psychological turning point for the remainder of the season.
For Guardiola, this represents a chance to claim his 11th League Cup for the club, while for Arteta, it is an opportunity to prove that the Gunners have finally closed the gap on the serial winners from Manchester.
Media References & Highlights
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ManCity.com: Match Report: City 3-1 Newcastle (5-1 agg)
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