Manchester City has secured a spot in the Carabao Cup final for the fifth time in the last 10 seasons, showcasing their continued dominance in English football. Manager Pep Guardiola expressed his pride in the team, calling their achievement “exceptional” and praising the players’ consistent performances.
The Citizens faced Newcastle United in the semifinals of this season’s Carabao Cup. In the first leg at St James’ Park on January 14, Manchester City displayed confidence and efficiency, earning a 2-0 victory. Goals came from Antoine Semenyo in the 53rd minute and Rayan Cherki in injury time at 90+8 minutes, giving City a strong advantage heading into the second leg.
Dominant Display at the Etihad
The second leg took place at the Etihad Stadium on Thursday, February 5, 2026, early morning WIB. Playing in front of their home fans, Manchester City dominated the match with 63 percent possession, firing 18 shots, eight of which were on target.
City’s attacking dominance was evident as they comfortably defeated Newcastle 3-1. Omar Marmoush opened the scoring in the 7th minute and doubled his tally in the 29th, while Tijjani Reijnders added the third goal in the 32nd minute. Anthony Elanga scored a consolation goal for Newcastle in the 62nd minute.
With a 5-1 aggregate victory, Manchester City booked their place in the Carabao Cup final 2025/2026, where they will face Arsenal at Wembley Stadium on March 23. Arsenal earned their spot by defeating Chelsea with a 4-2 aggregate, winning 3-2 in the first leg and 1-0 in the second.
Fifth Final in a Decade
For Manchester City, this milestone highlights their consistent excellence in the tournament. Over the past 10 seasons, City has reached the Carabao Cup final five times, winning the trophy four times. Such dominance reflects Guardiola’s tactical mastery and the team’s depth, resilience, and ability to perform under pressure.
Guardiola Praises Team Performance
Pep Guardiola expressed admiration for his squad following their dominant display against Newcastle United.
“I’m very happy. This is not something ordinary because I know how difficult it is. Honestly, I don’t even know how many times we’ve reached the semifinals, so this is very good,” said Guardiola.
“In 10 years, we’ve reached the Carabao Cup final five times. That’s incredible. Top, top, top. Apart from last season, we’ve been an extraordinary machine day in and day out, and that is fantastic.”
The Spanish manager also highlighted the significance of this achievement for players who have not experienced a final with Manchester City.
“For many of us, including myself, it’s very satisfying to reach the final again. Many players haven’t had the chance to play in a Carabao Cup final or a final with this club, so it’s very special,” Guardiola added.
Keys to Manchester City’s Success
Manchester City’s repeated success in the Carabao Cup can be attributed to several factors: a tactically flexible approach, high-intensity pressing, and depth in the squad. Guardiola has consistently rotated his team without compromising performance, allowing both starters and bench players to contribute meaningfully throughout the tournament.
The team’s attacking trio, supported by midfield creativity and defensive solidity, has enabled City to dominate opponents in both legs of the semifinals. Players like Semenyo, Cherki, Marmoush, and Reijnders have all stepped up in key moments, demonstrating the squad’s versatility and depth.
Looking Ahead to the Final
As Manchester City prepares for the final against Arsenal, expectations are high. Arsenal’s impressive form in the semifinals, eliminating Chelsea, promises a competitive showdown. Guardiola’s focus will likely remain on tactical preparation, maintaining squad fitness, and leveraging the momentum from their 5-1 aggregate victory.
The Carabao Cup final represents not just a chance for another trophy but also a platform for City to assert their dominance and for Guardiola to further solidify his legacy at the club. Fans eagerly anticipate a high-quality encounter at Wembley, hoping to witness City’s trademark attacking football and disciplined defensive organization.
Manchester City’s journey to the final reflects strategic planning, squad depth, and managerial brilliance, with Guardiola’s guidance pivotal in sustaining success across domestic competitions. This fifth final in a decade cements the club’s reputation as one of England’s most formidable forces in cup competitions.
Manchester City has secured a spot in the Carabao Cup final for the fifth time in the last 10 seasons, showcasing their continued dominance in English football. Manager Pep Guardiola expressed his pride in the team, calling their achievement “exceptional” and praising the players’ consistent performances.
The Citizens faced Newcastle United in the semifinals of this season’s Carabao Cup. In the first leg at St James’ Park on January 14, Manchester City displayed confidence and efficiency, earning a 2-0 victory. Goals came from Antoine Semenyo in the 53rd minute and Rayan Cherki in injury time at 90+8 minutes, giving City a strong advantage heading into the second leg.
Dominant Display at the Etihad
The second leg took place at the Etihad Stadium on Thursday, February 5, 2026, early morning WIB. Playing in front of their home fans, Manchester City dominated the match with 63 percent possession, firing 18 shots, eight of which were on target.
City’s attacking dominance was evident as they comfortably defeated Newcastle 3-1. Omar Marmoush opened the scoring in the 7th minute and doubled his tally in the 29th, while Tijjani Reijnders added the third goal in the 32nd minute. Anthony Elanga scored a consolation goal for Newcastle in the 62nd minute.
With a 5-1 aggregate victory, Manchester City booked their place in the Carabao Cup final 2025/2026, where they will face Arsenal at Wembley Stadium on March 23. Arsenal earned their spot by defeating Chelsea with a 4-2 aggregate, winning 3-2 in the first leg and 1-0 in the second.
Fifth Final in a Decade
For Manchester City, this milestone highlights their consistent excellence in the tournament. Over the past 10 seasons, City has reached the Carabao Cup final five times, winning the trophy four times. Such dominance reflects Guardiola’s tactical mastery and the team’s depth, resilience, and ability to perform under pressure.
Guardiola Praises Team Performance
Pep Guardiola expressed admiration for his squad following their dominant display against Newcastle United.
“I’m very happy. This is not something ordinary because I know how difficult it is. Honestly, I don’t even know how many times we’ve reached the semifinals, so this is very good,” said Guardiola.
“In 10 years, we’ve reached the Carabao Cup final five times. That’s incredible. Top, top, top. Apart from last season, we’ve been an extraordinary machine day in and day out, and that is fantastic.”
The Spanish manager also highlighted the significance of this achievement for players who have not experienced a final with Manchester City.
“For many of us, including myself, it’s very satisfying to reach the final again. Many players haven’t had the chance to play in a Carabao Cup final or a final with this club, so it’s very special,” Guardiola added.
Keys to Manchester City’s Success
Manchester City’s repeated success in the Carabao Cup can be attributed to several factors: a tactically flexible approach, high-intensity pressing, and depth in the squad. Guardiola has consistently rotated his team without compromising performance, allowing both starters and bench players to contribute meaningfully throughout the tournament.
The team’s attacking trio, supported by midfield creativity and defensive solidity, has enabled City to dominate opponents in both legs of the semifinals. Players like Semenyo, Cherki, Marmoush, and Reijnders have all stepped up in key moments, demonstrating the squad’s versatility and depth.
Looking Ahead to the Final
As Manchester City prepares for the final against Arsenal, expectations are high. Arsenal’s impressive form in the semifinals, eliminating Chelsea, promises a competitive showdown. Guardiola’s focus will likely remain on tactical preparation, maintaining squad fitness, and leveraging the momentum from their 5-1 aggregate victory.
The Carabao Cup final represents not just a chance for another trophy but also a platform for City to assert their dominance and for Guardiola to further solidify his legacy at the club. Fans eagerly anticipate a high-quality encounter at Wembley, hoping to witness City’s trademark attacking football and disciplined defensive organization.
Manchester City’s journey to the final reflects strategic planning, squad depth, and managerial brilliance, with Guardiola’s guidance pivotal in sustaining success across domestic competitions. This fifth final in a decade cements the club’s reputation as one of England’s most formidable forces in cup competitions.
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