Prepare for a Wembley duel between Manchester City and Arsenal that should be as compelling in the dugouts as it is on the pitch, with Pep Guardiola and his former protégé Mikel Arteta set to resume their tactical chess match. Once close allies during Arteta’s spell on Guardiola’s staff from 2016 to 2019, the relationship has since developed an edge following last season’s “dark arts” dispute at the Etihad.
City booked their latest trip to Wembley with an emphatic semi-final victory over Newcastle, sealing Guardiola’s 22nd appearance there and keeping alive his pursuit of a fifth League Cup. Two goals from Omar Marmoush and a composed finish from Tijjani Reijnders ensured the tie was effectively over before half-time.
Newcastle were undone by early mistakes. City struck after seven minutes when Marmoush cut inside and, under pressure from Dan Burn, saw the ball ricochet off his leg and loop over Aaron Ramsdale. The visitors briefly threatened through Anthony Gordon, but James Trafford smothered the danger.
City’s dominance soon told. In the 29th minute, Kieran Trippier misjudged a clearance from Antoine Semenyo’s cross, allowing Marmoush to head in his second. Moments later, Burn’s outstretched leg inadvertently set up Reijnders, who calmly made it three.
Anthony Elanga added some late drama after the break with a fine solo finish, and Erling Haaland even clipped the post, but the result was never in doubt. City advanced comfortably, setting up a mouth-watering Wembley reunion between Guardiola and Arteta.
