Man City into Carabao Cup final after 3-1 win over Newcastle

Introduction: Why man city vs newcastle mattered

The Carabao Cup semi-final tie between Manchester City and Newcastle United carried clear importance for both clubs: a spot in the final, momentum in domestic cup competition and squad management as the season progresses. The tie also raised governance questions after Pep Guardiola signalled City would seek special permission from the English Football League over Marc Guéhi’s eligibility for the final. The result and these developments are relevant to supporters, league observers and anyone tracking England’s cup competitions.

Main body: Match events and key details

Scoreline and aggregate outcome

On 4 February 2026 Manchester City defeated Newcastle 3-1 on the night to complete a 5-1 aggregate victory and secure a place in the Carabao Cup final against Arsenal. Reports note City struck three times in the first half, establishing a decisive lead that Newcastle could not overturn across the tie.

Notable moments and contributions

Coverage of the match highlighted sustained pressure from Manchester City throughout, with City creating multiple first-half chances. ESPN reported that Reijnders and Antoine Semenyo were among the threats during the game, while Newcastle’s Marmoush grabbed what was described as his second — contributing to Newcastle’s efforts across the tie.

Match thread details and substitutions

A live match thread captured additional in-match detail: a 62nd-minute goal attributed to A. Elanga with M. Thiaw listed as the provider, and later substitutions recorded, including N. O’Reilly being replaced by Rodri around the 71st minute and A. Semenyo being replaced by E. Haaland. These in-game changes underline both managers’ attempts to influence the contest as it unfolded.

Off-field development

After the tie Pep Guardiola indicated Manchester City intend to ask the English Football League for special permission to play Marc Guéhi in the Carabao Cup final. That planned appeal adds an administrative subplot to the forthcoming final and will be one to watch as organisers respond.

Conclusion: Significance and what comes next

Manchester City’s 3-1 win (5-1 agg) over Newcastle sets up a final against Arsenal in next month’s Carabao Cup decider. The result reinforces City’s cup credentials this season while the club’s planned appeal over Marc Guéhi’s status introduces an off-field issue ahead of the final. Supporters can expect a high-profile final and continued scrutiny of squad selection decisions and regulatory rulings in the lead-up to the match.