Newcastle United will not have the chance to defend their EFL Cup after winning last year's final against Liverpool. It was a step too far this time as they lost 3-1 on the night to Manchester City and 5-1 over the two-legged semi final ties.
Omar Marmoush put the hosts ahead inside the first ten minutes and it was a goal that killed off any hopes Eddie Howe's side had that they could get an early goal back and make it a nervy evening for **Pep Guardiola's**men.
After half an hour it was two when Marmoush scored again and minutes later it was 3-0.
City did not score in the second half but they did not need to as the damage was well and truly done.
Anthony Elanga pulled one back to make it a more respectable scoreline on the night but it was largely a night to forget for the Newcastle fans who had travelled.
Here are four takeaways from the game:
Was it the wrong approach to the game?
Much was made of the way that Chelsea approached their semi-final with **Arsenal,**where it was clear that their plan was to keep the scores level at 0-0 for as long as possible and then try and snatch a late goal to level the tie.
The criticism was that Liam Rosenior's side did not threaten enough when they needed to and let the match pass them by.
Whereas, Newcastle were set up in a way to attack the game and go at the City players man-for-man from the start. The Magpies did have a two goal lead to chase, as opposed to Chelsea only being one behind.
Therefore, the blame should not be pointed at Eddie Howe solely for his set up but it did appear to leave them exposed in midfield and at the back on numerous times early in the match.
With hindsight, they may have adapted but it is a tough debate.
Is the form of Yoanne Wissa a concern?
Since Yoanne Wissa joined on deadline day in the summer window, he has found life in the North East frustrating.
Inevitably, arriving not fully match fit due to the summer saga and then picking up an injury did not help his cause as he only managed to make his debut in early December.
It is looking like it is going to take a while to get him up to speed. Nick Woltemade started the game and found it difficult as the goals have dried up for him recently. However, he did make a promising start to life in black and white.
Wissa was ineffective when he came off the bench against City at half time and did not ever look like scoring.
For a move of over £50 million and a player who is 29 years-old, there will be an expectation that he starts delivering sooner rather than later.
Anthony Elanga scored but could have had more
Another summer signing who has struggled on Tyneside is Anthony Elanga as he has found it a challenge to nail down a starting place and replicate the form of last season at Nottingham Forest.
He also came on against City and the Swedish international did make an impact on the game. He scored Newcastle's only goal of the match after a good solo run, where he then cut inside into the box and curled it past James Trafford. It was only the second goal the City keeper had conceded in the competition this season.
Elanga, however, really should have added to his goal. It was a good performance from him but another goal would have gone some way to potentially kickstarting his Newcastle career.
His best chance to score another was when he was picked out by Harvey Barnes' pull-back to the centre of the box and he was in a great position to score yet his effort went well wide off the post. It looked as though all he had to do was pass it into the net.
What next for Newcastle?
They remain in several other competitions but it looks as though it could be a tough run until the end of the season.
In the next round of the FA Cup, they face Aston Villa so that is a difficult draw and, they will be expected to progress against Qarabag but find themselves in the UEFAChampions League**** playoff round.
Meanwhile, in the Premier League, it was a 4-1 defeat to Liverpool last week and the table remains close but it certainly looks like it will be a challenge to secure Champions League football for next season.
Therefore, there may be a danger that the season could fizzle out potentially into disappointment.
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The chance to reach a third EFL Cup final in the last four years would have marked success and further signs that the team can compete with the best.
Consistency and results away from home have been the main source of frustration this season.
Injury to Bruno Guimaraes and Anthony Gordon going off injured against City will not help their cause. However, they will be hoping that when they return to the Etihad Stadium in a couple of weeks to face Guardiola's side in the league that they can get a better outcome and maybe take some of the positives from a spirited second half showing.