Man City's 3-1 victory in the second leg of the semi-final at the Etihad Stadium not only dethroned defending champions Newcastle in the League Cup, but also helped Pep Guardiola's side halt a disappointing run of results and restore confidence ahead of a crucial stage of the season.
Put pressure on the opponent.
Holding a 2-0 advantage from the first leg three weeks ago, Pep Guardiola opted for a rather cautious approach in the return match against Newcastle, needing to rest some key players for the Premier League. Nevertheless, Man City maintained a high attacking tempo, as demonstrated by Omar Marmoush and many of his teammates from the very first minutes.
With aggressive pressing, superior ball control, and relentless pressure on Newcastle in the cold Manchester weather, Man City capitalized on their powerful attack with two goals from Omar Marmoush within 22 minutes. Tijjani Reijnders then exploited a mistake by the Newcastle defense to make it 3-0 in just over half an hour, virtually sealing the match and creating a huge five-goal aggregate lead over the two legs.
Newcastle pushed forward in the second half and managed to pull one back, making it 1-3, thanks to a skillful finish from Anthony Elanga, a former Manchester United player. However, that was one of the few bright spots for the visitors. Because when Manchester City deliberately slowed the pace and kept control of the game, Newcastle had absolutely no chance of a comeback, unlike what Tottenham had done to Manchester City a few days earlier.
Man City asserted their dominance in the League Cup. (Photo: MANCITYFC)
Relieve stress
After dropping points in 3 of their last 5 matches across all competitions (1 draw, 2 losses), Man City rediscovered their winning form with a dominant performance from the "superior" team.
The Spanish manager emphasized that Man City reached the League Cup final thanks to maintaining consistency throughout the 180 minutes (two legs) against an energetic and high-intensity opponent like Newcastle. The fact that many players were reaching a final for the first time with their club also provided significant experience.
Reaching the League Cup final also means a relief from pressure. Man City has gone through a period of inconsistency, with their goal-scoring efficiency declining alarmingly (they haven't scored in the second half of a match since the beginning of 2026). The second leg of the semi-final against Newcastle further reflected this problem, as the home team reduced their intensity after the break, allowing the opposition to create more opportunities. This remains a detail that Guardiola must address as big matches lie ahead.
The League Cup may not be as prestigious as the Premier League or the Champions League, but Guardiola has never taken it lightly. Manchester City once dominated the competition, reaching the Carabao Cup final five times in 10 years. A trophy at this point would not only help them avoid ending the season empty-handed but also provide a morale boost for the remainder of the season.
Therefore, the final at Wembley on March 22nd against Arsenal holds great significance. This is a battle between the two leading teams in the Premier League, promising to be tense and highly competitive. Every trophy awarded to Man City in recent years has always had a significant impact in many aspects, and this season's League Cup is no exception.
Guardiola's squad rotation strategies have proven effective. Marmoush capitalized on his starting opportunity with a brace. Reijnders scored and contributed to midfield control. Goalkeeper James Trafford made several crucial saves. These performances demonstrate that Manchester City's squad depth is still sufficient to meet rotation needs during a busy period.
Source: https://nld.com.vn/man-city-cho-cu-hich-league-cup-196260205212843159.htm
