t ended Manchester City 3 Newcastle 1.
Ahead of each game we ask one of our writers to come up with three positives and three negatives following the match.
An ‘interesting’ match at the Etihad.
Plenty to talk about after this Carabao Cup semi-final game.
As United missed out on making it three Wembley finals in four years in this competition.
On this occasion it is David Punton:
POSITIVES
Elanga progress
It was a good finish from Elanga, who is starting to show that if keeps plugging away he will get there.
Away end
It was amazing support at the Etihad, a brilliant away end, in sharp contrast to seemingly apathy from the Manchester City fans.
Large gaps in home sections, but don’t start with them about attendances, they are known to get a bit touchy.
One less distraction
Fighting on four fronts is tough, so while defeat stings, it is now less distraction for a squad which getting very stretched.
Never forget, we won this cup in March 2025, ending a 70 year domestic trophy drought. It’s always hard to come back as holders and replicate that same magic again the following year.
Let’s hope we don’t have to wait another 70 for the next one though!
NEGATIVES
Woeful start
The first half was the stuff of nightmares.
We were abysmal and Man City ran riot.
The game was gifted to them by poor touches from Newcastle players.
It had shades of what Messrs Pardew, McClaren and Bruce used to serve up.
Really genuine alarm bells. Eddie Howe needs to work his socks off to sort this out.
The players also, need to really have a long hard look at themselves.
Injury woe
Anthony Gordon looks to have a hamstring issue.
We need everyone at the moment so that was another hammer blow.
Toothless in attack
The striker puzzle played out under the glare of the lights in one of football’s most unforgiving arenas.
I won’t labour the point… but Wissa and Woltemade, they need to be doing a hell of a lot better.
It’s a real worry.
Manager and coaching staff have go to find a way to make both players start scoring – and pretty damn quick.