Omar Marmoush stamps Manchester City’s place in Carabao Cup final

Omar Marmoush seized his opportunity in Pep Guardiola’s starting XI on Wednesday with two goals as Manchester City defeated Newcastle United 3-1 to advance to the Carabao Cup (League Cup) final with a 5-1 aggregate score on Wednesday.

The odds were heavily against Newcastle overturning a 2-0 first leg deficit at the Ettihad. The Egyptian, who has been reduced to a bit role this season due to inconsistent form and the high level of competition in the squad, was not about to let his opportunity go to waste.

Inside seven minutes the hosts were ahead with the former Eintracht Frankfurt star’s first goal. After making a clever run behind the Newcastle defense, Marmoush got on the end of a Tijani Reijnders pass. His touch got away from him but a clearance attempt from Dan Burn ricocheted off the Egyptian and past goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale.

Le but est gag, mais la combinaison entre Marmoush et Reijnders est parfaite ! 👌 Manchester City prend le large dans cette double confrontation. 🔥 #RTLsports pic.twitter.com/tIN31sUUyQ

— RTL sports (@RTLsportsbe) February 4, 2026

Just before the half hour mark, the second goal arrived for the player developed at Wadi Degla. A dangerous cross from Antoine Semenyo on the left wing took a deflection into the air and Marmoush arrived at the far post to nod home.

At that point the result was well secured for the Citizens, who found another goal shortly after through Reijnders. Anthonly Elanga pulled a goal back for Newcastle in the second half but it was a mere consolation.

Manchester City will face Arsenal in the Carabao Cup final on March 22 at Wembley Stadium. Marmoush now has 4 goals and 1 assist in 21 appearances across all competitions this season, with 3 of his goals coming in the League Cup.

Omar Marmoush strikes early to settle nerves

Newcastle arrived in Manchester facing a daunting task, needing to overturn a 2–0 first-leg deficit against one of Europe’s most dominant sides. Any lingering hope was quickly extinguished inside the opening seven minutes.

Marmoush timed his run perfectly to latch onto a clever through ball from Tijani Reijnders, slipping in behind the Newcastle defence. His initial touch appeared heavy, but a desperate clearance attempt by Dan Burn ricocheted off the Egyptian and looped beyond goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale.

The goal may have carried a hint of fortune, but it was fully deserved given City’s aggressive start and Marmoush’s intelligent movement. The Etihad erupted, sensing that the tie was effectively over.

Second goal showcases striker’s instincts

Manchester City continued to dominate possession and territory, forcing Newcastle deep into their own half. Just before the half-hour mark, Marmoush struck again to all but seal City’s passage to Wembley.

A dangerous delivery from Antoine Semenyo on the left flank took a slight deflection and floated invitingly across the box. Reacting quickest, Marmoush arrived unmarked at the far post to nod home with confidence, demonstrating the predatory instincts that have defined his career.

The goal highlighted his versatility and awareness—qualities that had seen him thrive previously at Eintracht Frankfurt and during his formative years at Wadi Degla.

City cruise as Newcastle struggle to respond

With a 4–0 aggregate lead before the interval, Manchester City played with freedom and authority. Their third goal arrived soon after, with Reijnders capping an excellent individual display by finding the net to make it 3–0 on the night.

Newcastle, to their credit, continued to compete and were rewarded with a consolation goal in the second half when Anthony Elanga finished well after a rare break forward. However, it did little to change the complexion of the tie, as City calmly saw out the remainder of the contest.

Guardiola rewarded for rotation gamble

Guardiola’s decision to rotate his squad and trust fringe players proved inspired. Marmoush, in particular, justified his inclusion with a display full of energy, sharpness, and clinical finishing.

The Egyptian has endured a frustrating campaign, often reduced to cameo appearances due to inconsistent form and the intense competition for places within City’s attacking ranks. Yet his performance against Newcastle served as a timely reminder of his quality and professionalism.

Marmoush now boasts four goals and one assist in 21 appearances across all competitions this season, with three of those goals coming in the League Cup—a competition where he has made a decisive impact.

Wembley showdown awaits

Manchester City will now turn their attention to the Carabao Cup final, where they are set to face Arsenal on March 22 at the iconic Wembley Stadium.

For Marmoush, the semifinal performance could prove pivotal in shaping his role during the business end of the season. With silverware on the line and multiple competitions still in play, Guardiola may yet lean on the Egyptian’s form and confidence in crucial moments.

As Manchester City march toward another domestic final, Wednesday night belonged to Omar Marmoush—a player who seized his chance, delivered when it mattered most, and reminded everyone of his undeniable talent on a big stage.