Newcastle United's midfielder #20 Anthony Elanga scores the team's first goal during the English League Cup semi final second leg football match between Manchester City and Newcastle United at the Etihad stadium in Manchester, northwest England on February 4, 2026. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP via Getty Images)placeholder image
Newcastle United's midfielder #20 Anthony Elanga scores the team's first goal during the English League Cup semi final second leg football match between Manchester City and Newcastle United at the Etihad stadium in Manchester, northwest England on February 4, 2026. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images
Manchester City 3-1 Newcastle United player ratings: Here’s how Nick Woltemade, Anthony Gordon, Kieran Trippier and co fared at the Etihad Stadium.
Eddie Howe made three changes to his side that lost 4-1 at Liverpool with Aaron Ramsdale replacing Nick Pope in goal, Sven Botman returning to defence and Nick Woltemade coming into the side with Anthony Elanga and Harvey Barnes dropping to the bench.
City already held a 2-0 advantage from the first leg and extended that inside the opening seven minutes as Omar Marcmoush saw Dan Burn’s tackle deflect back off him and past Ramsdale to make it 1-0 on the night.
The Egyptian made it 2-0 with a close-range finish before the half-hour mark to put the tie beyond any doubt with an hour left to play.
Moments later, Tijjani Reijnders capitalised on a swift counter-attacking move to make it 3-0 to the home side.
Half-time substitute Anthony Elanga then pulled back a consolation for the visitors with what was a fine solo effort, cutting in from the right to score his first goal in black and white. It was also Newcastle’s first goal at the Etihad Stadium since DeAndre Yedlin’s strike in 2018.
The Magpies had chances to pull more goals back afterwards, but failed to take them as Man City progressed through to the Carabao Cup final where they will face Arsenal on March 22. Newcastle’s defence of the competition is officially over.
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Aaron Ramsdale - 5
Beaten early by Marmoush’s fortunate effort. Nowhere near his second after diving for the cross. Made two good saves to deny Erling Haaland late on.
Kieran Trippier - 4
Forced a save from James Trafford from a free-kick. Man City made it 2-0 moments later as his attempted clearance fell kindly to Marmoush.
Malick Thiaw - 4
Never looked convincing as City’s pace and passing exposed Newcastle. Hit too efforts from distance well wide. Technically assisted Elanga’s solo effort.
Sven Botman - 5
Back in the side after a thigh issue. Couldn’t really deal with Man City’s attack. Saw a header well saved by James Trafford at the end of the first half.
Dan Burn - 5
Initially looked to have made a good sliding challenge on Marmoush but it ultimately deflected kindly back off the Man City forward to open the scoring. Got a decent foot to challenge Antoine Semenyo in the build-up to City’s fourth. Ultimately got two unwanted assists in the first half. Moved out to left back in the second.
Lewis Hall - 6
Won the ball back well high up the field to force Matheus Nunes into a foul. Typically lively on the ball but had a tough evening defensively before being taken off at the break.
Sandro Tonali - 5
Nowhere to be seen as Man City bypassed the midfield in the first half. Improved in the second as the home side eased off and hit a decent chance straight at Trafford late on.
Jacob Ramsey - 5
Was always showing for the ball and trying to get involved. Had a decent opportunity in the second half but saw his shot easily blocked.
Joe Willock - 4
Squandered a great opportunity to grab an instant equaliser as he failed to get a shot away after going one-on-one with James Trafford. Tried to make things happen but nothing came off and was substituted at half-time.
Anthony Gordon - 4
Had a good opportunity saved by James Trafford after 21 minutes. Injured before half-time.
Nick Woltemade - 4
Barely had a sniff and was hooked at half-time.
Substitutes
Harvey Barnes - 6
On for Gordon 43: Had the ball in the net with a good finish but was denied by the offside flag. Put a good ball in for Elanga but the chance went begging.
Yoane Wissa - 5
On for Woltemade 46: Missed a good chance moments after coming on. Won the ball back in the Man City penalty area before going down, but his penalty appeals were waved away. Tried to turn Elanga’s cross in from close range but couldn’t get a touch that would have almost certainly resulted in a goal.
Anthony Elanga - 7
On for Willock 46: Lively on the right wing and enjoyed arguably his finest moment for the club so far by opening his account with an excellent solo run and finish - just a shame it didn’t impact the result. Couldn’t find the target from close range after some good work from Harvey Barnes, but the flag may have gone up had he found the net for a second time, regardless. Put a teasing ball across the face of the goal that just missed Wissa’s foot.
Jacob Murphy - 5
On for Hall 46: Introduced on the left but ended the game in a wing-back role.
On for Trippier 77: Made his return to the pitch after three months out.
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