Wembley showdown confirmed: Master Guardiola meets apprentice Arteta for Cup glory
Manchester City booked a tantalizing Carabao Cup final against Premier League leaders Arsenal after dismantling holders Newcastle United 3-1 at the Etihad Stadium. The 5-1 aggregate victory ensures Pep Guardiola a chance at his 19th trophy in a "Master vs. Apprentice" showdown against his former protege, Mikel Arteta, on March 22 at Wembley.
Guardiola’s tactical twist
With Haaland rested on the bench, Guardiola deployed a fluid 4-2-2-2 formation that utilized Marmoush and Antoine Semenyo as wide-drifting strikers. This "big man, little man" hybrid created a vacuum in the middle that Newcastle’s defence; led by a disconsolate Dan Burn, simply could not process.
Opener (7'): Marmoush nipped in as Burn challenged; a fortunate ricochet saw the ball loop over Aaron Ramsdale and into the net.
Second (29'): After a hashed clearance by Kieran Trippier, Marmoush was on hand to head home his second of the night.
Third (32'): The tireless Tijani Reijnders (Netherlands) capitalized on another defensive lapse to stroke home City's third, effectively ending the contest.
The March 22 final will pit the Premier League's top two sides against each other. Arsenal currently holds a six-point lead at the summit, and Arteta will be desperate to shed the "nearly men" tag after three successive runner-up finishes in the league. For City, it is a chance to rectify last May’s shock FA Cup defeat to Crystal Palace.
The Guehi grievance
Despite the jubilant mood, Guardiola expressed frustration over the "cup-tied" rule that will prevent Marc Guehi from playing in the final. Guehi, who joined City for £20m on January 19, is ineligible because he represented Crystal Palace earlier in the tournament.
I don’t understand why he cannot play the final. You buy a player for a lot of money and he is not able to play for a rule I don’t understand.
Pep Guardiola
