Newcastle's faint Wembley aspirations were dashed before half-time as Manchester City progressed to the Carabao Cup final by beating the Magpies 3-1 on the night and 5-1 on aggregate. Newcastle entered the match requiring a footballing miracle from two goals down, but the evening quickly unravelled for eddie Howe's side. A panicked clearance from Dan Burn ricocheted off Omar Marmoush, with the ball rebounding off the City forward and trickling into the net after seven minutes. Marmoush added his second on 29 minutes.
James Trafford distributed quickly and City surged down the left flank before Antoine Semenyo's delivery was ballooned into the air by a botched Kieran Trippier clearance, allowing Marmoush to strike for his brace. The score reached 3-0 on 32 minutes when Tijani Reijnders embarked on a powerful run through midfield before locating Semenyo. The former Bournemouth forward saw Burn deflect the ball back into the path of the Dutchman, who coolly converted a third on the evening. Newcastle clawed one back through a magnificent individual effort from Anthony Elanga but it was ultimately a night of disappointment for the away team. Express Sport rates and slates the Newcastle players...
Thwarted Erling Haaland on two occasions in the second half. An active evening with numerous saves.
Disastrous clearance permitted Reijnders to score. Encountered difficulties but wasn't the main problem.
Contributed an assist but questionable efforts to prevent City cutting through repeatedly during the opening half.
Another who endured a difficult start to proceedings. Nearly managed to pull one back.
Made a couple of mistakes during the opening period. Fought valiantly to maintain respectability after the interval.
Newcastle's standout performer in the first half. Advanced with intent and posed problems for City.
Endeavoured to maintain his usual standards. Sought opportunities to unlock City's defence.
Displayed determination throughout a challenging evening. Continues to demonstrate progress in midfield.
Wasted a golden opportunity early doors. Headed across to set up Gordon who likewise failed to find the target.
Spurned one major chance. Limped off before half-time, grasping his hamstring.
Received no service whatsoever. Seeking passes that simply weren't forthcoming. Managed just 11 touches without a single shot - completely lacking in belief. Harsh rating not entirely his fault, but City required physical confrontation from the outset.
Harvey Barnes (for Gordon 44) - 8
Transformed the game and provided Newcastle with what they'd been missing in the first period - an attacking threat.
Yoane Wissa (for Woltemade 46) - 7
At least appeared to unsettle the City backline by finding dangerous areas.
Anthony Elanga 8 (for Willock 46) - 8
Netted a brilliant individual strike and declined to ease City's passage despite their commanding advantage. But also should have scored a second.
Jacob Murphy (for Hall 46) - 7
Brought some stability to Newcastle's performance following the restart.