Man City Cruise Past Newcastle Without Haaland, Fans Praise Marmoush and Reijnders

By: Shawn
‎Manchester City advanced to the Carabao Cup final after a dominant 5-1 victory over Newcastle, despite starting the match without Erling Haaland. The Norwegian striker, who has struggled to find the net recently, was on the bench as Pep Guardiola’s side showcased attacking depth.
‎
‎Manchester City defeat Newcastle 5-1 in Carabao Cup semi-final without Erling Haaland. Fans suggest City perform better without their star striker.
‎Getty Images Sport 
‎
‎Omar Marmoush opened the scoring for City in the seventh minute and doubled the lead by the 29th. Just moments later, Tijjani Reijnders added a third, helping secure the 5-1 aggregate triumph and a final showdown with Arsenal at Wembley. Haaland eventually entered the game in the second half but failed to score, extending his goal drought to just one in the last eight outings across all competitions.
‎
‎Fans quickly took to social media to express their surprise, with many claiming City’s attacking play improves without Haaland. X user @bestinthelandc remarked, “Our press is better without Haaland. Big issue.” Another fan, @omoselye0x, added, “See how better we play across the lines without that Norwegian donkey. Haaland, you will pay for your crimes.”
‎
‎Guardiola acknowledged Haaland’s recent struggles but defended the striker’s contribution. “God bless that we have Erling in our team right now and all of the season. He brings a lot and is getting better at many, many things. It is difficult but he'll be back,” the manager explained, citing tight schedules and tough opponents as factors.
‎
‎Marmoush, who netted twice, revealed he had hoped for a hat-trick. “The first goal was lucky, my touch wasn't the best, but it went in. I try to make the runs and be in the right place. I am very happy to score two goals,” he said, emphasizing the team’s focus and mentality.
‎
‎Looking ahead, City will face Arsenal in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday, March 22, 2026. In the meantime, Guardiola’s men aim to close the six-point gap at the Premier League summit when they travel to Anfield to face Liverpool.

Comments

Post a Comment

TRENDING!

Is He Truly Leaving? ‎Pep Guardiola Exit Rumors Grow as Manchester City Prepare for Possible Post-2026 Era

Image
‎Pep Guardiola’s long-term future at Manchester City has become a major talking point this season as speculation continues to grow that the 55-year-old could be planning to bring his time at the Etihad Stadium to a close. Although the City boss remains tied to the Premier League club until the summer of 2027, many believe he could step down at the conclusion of the 2025–26 campaign. ‎ Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City future remains uncertain despite his 2027 contract, with speculation growing about a possible 2026 exit and potential replacements already being discussed. ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎ ‎Uncertainty still surrounds Guardiola’s next move. According to ESPN, senior Manchester City officials insist they are unaware of the manager’s long-term plans. Individuals connected to the agency working alongside Guardiola’s representatives say any details about his future are extremely confidential. Much of the speculation is reportedly fueled by conversations among rival club e...
Read more

Vinicius Jr to Man United? Saha Says Carrick Momentum Could Trigger Major Transfer Move

Image
‎Luis Saha believes Manchester United have the strength and reputation to potentially sign Vinicius Junior from Real Madrid, particularly with the positive momentum created by Michael Carrick at Old Trafford. Although it remains uncertain who will oversee transfer business next window, expectations suggest United will be very active in the 2026 summer market and could target players from Madrid. ‎ ‎Luis Saha believes Manchester United’s improved form under Michael Carrick could help them compete for Vinicius Junior, while the interim manager strengthens his case for the permanent role. ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎ ‎Temporary leadership is currently shaping both clubs. Vinicius is believed to be enjoying life more in Madrid now than during Xabi Alonso’s spell, when disagreements reportedly occurred between the Brazilian and the former coach. Alvaro Arbeloa is currently acting as caretaker manager of Real Madrid’s first team. ‎ ‎At Manchester United, Carrick is also working as...
Read more

Cristiano Ronaldo ‘Unhappy’ at Al-Nassr as Summer Exit Plans Emerge

Image
‎Cristiano Ronaldo may be heading for a summer departure from Al-Nassr, with potential moves to Major League Soccer or back to Europe being discussed for the Portugal legend. The former Real Madrid and Manchester United forward has a €50 million (£43m/$59m) release clause in his contract ahead of the next transfer window, meaning he would attract significant interest should he choose to leave the Saudi Pro League. ‎ Cristiano Ronaldo could leave Al-Nassr this summer amid reported unhappiness, with MLS and a European return among possible destinations. ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎ ‎Reports from Portuguese outlet Record suggest that Ronaldo has grown unhappy with his situation at Al-Nassr and is open to walking away when the season ends. Despite being 41 years old, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner has no intention of retiring. Among the options available is a switch to the United States, where he could once again face long-time rival Lionel Messi, now starring for Inter Miami. ...
Read more

‎Will Mohamed Salah’s Saudi Move Force Cristiano Ronaldo Out of Al-Nassr? Latest Transfer Twist Explained

Image
‎Cristiano Ronaldo has been linked with a potential departure from Al-Nassr during the summer transfer window, particularly if Mohamed Salah makes a move to the Saudi Pro League. The Portugal captain’s future has come under intense scrutiny after tensions linked to the Public Investment Fund (PIF) and transfer activity, with Ronaldo recently missing two league matches during the dispute period. Reports indicate the situation has fueled growing speculation about whether he will remain at the club beyond the current campaign.  ‎ ‎Transfer speculation links Mohamed Salah with Saudi Arabia while Cristiano Ronaldo faces uncertainty at Al-Nassr amid protests, league warnings, and summer exit predictions. ‎Getty Images Sport (2) ‎ ‎Attention around Ronaldo rarely fades, but the spotlight is now firmly on his next career move following the January window closure. Frustration reportedly grew after rival club Al-Hilal strengthened their squad by signing Karim Benzema, who immedia...
Read more

Tottenham Consider Mauricio Pochettino Return Amid Relegation Battle and Thomas Frank Exit

Image
‎Tottenham Hotspur have shown interest in reappointing Mauricio Pochettino as head coach after parting ways with Thomas Frank. The club currently occupy 16th place in the league standings and are just five points ahead of West Ham United in 18th. Any move to bring Pochettino back may not happen until after the 2026 World Cup due to his current role as United States men’s national team manager. ‎ ‎Tottenham want Mauricio Pochettino back after removing Thomas Frank, but his current USA national team duties may prevent a quick return before the 2026 World Cup. ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎ ‎The Telegraph reports that Spurs would like Pochettino to return following Frank’s departure, although timing could be complicated by the international tournament. The Argentine previously managed Tottenham between 2014 and 2019. During his tenure, he led the team to the Champions League final and mounted more than one Premier League title push. He also guided one of the strongest Tottenham si...
Read more

‎Pep Guardiola Frustrated as VAR Allows Solanke Goal in Man City’s 2-2 Spurs Draw

Image
‎Pep Guardiola expressed clear dissatisfaction after Manchester City dropped points in a dramatic 2-2 Premier League draw against Tottenham on Sunday, questioning the decision to allow Dominic Solanke’s first goal to stand. ‎ ‎City appeared firmly in control during the opening half, racing into a deserved 2-0 lead before the interval. Rayan Cherki struck early, and Antoine Semenyo followed up to double the advantage in a dominant first-half display that could easily have produced more goals for the visitors. ‎ ‎Pep Guardiola voiced frustration after VAR allowed Dominic Solanke’s controversial opener as Manchester City let a 2-0 lead slip in a 2-2 draw at Tottenham. ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎ ‎However, the match shifted dramatically after the break. Tottenham responded with renewed intensity, and Solanke proved decisive, scoring twice to rescue a point for Spurs. His second goal, a spectacular scorpion kick, drew admiration, but it was his first strike that sparked controver...
Read more

Confidence Crisis? Why Alejandro Garnacho Is Fighting to Prove His Worth at Chelsea

Image
‎Alejandro Garnacho has been a polarizing figure since his summer switch from Manchester United to Chelsea, and recent performances have increased the scrutiny surrounding him. After a disastrous opening 45 minutes against West Ham, Gary Neville suggested the winger’s confidence appeared completely broken — an assessment that has gained traction. ‎ ‎Chelsea winger Alejandro Garnacho faces growing doubts after inconsistent performances, with scrutiny increasing over his confidence, role, and long-term place in the squad. ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎ ‎Chelsea believed they had secured strong value when signing Garnacho for £40 million late in the transfer window. Yet half a year later, the Argentine still hasn’t delivered the impact many expected. ‎ ‎His poor display against West Ham emphasized his difficult start, especially after Liam Rosenior substituted him at half-time before Chelsea staged a remarkable comeback. ‎ ‎With supporters already uncertain about his arrival, Garn...
Read more

‎Mikel Merino Injury Blow Leaves Arsenal Considering Emergency Transfer Cover

Image
‎Arsenal’s season has taken another hit after it emerged that midfielder Mikel Merino is likely to be sidelined for a prolonged period due to a foot injury. The Spaniard suffered the problem late in last weekend’s loss to Manchester United and is now scheduled to undergo surgery, putting the remainder of his campaign in serious doubt. ‎ Mikel Merino is expected to miss an extended period after a foot injury, with Arsenal confirming surgery and weighing up short-term transfer solutions. ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎ ‎The 29-year-old was missing from the matchday squad as Arsenal swept aside Leeds United 4-0 in the Premier League on Saturday. Following that game, Mikel Arteta confirmed that Merino’s absence was down to a foot issue rather than selection. ‎ ‎On Sunday, Arsenal issued an official update confirming that Merino has sustained a bone injury and will require an operation in the coming days. The club stated that he will be unavailable for an “extended period,” although ...
Read more

Newcastle Stand Firm on Sandro Tonali Amid Man Utd and Chelsea Interest

Image
‎Newcastle United have made it unequivocally clear that Sandro Tonali is staying put, despite growing attention from Manchester United and Chelsea. Rumors of a nine-figure transfer fee have circulated, but the Magpies insist that the Italian midfielder remains a crucial part of their plans at St James’ Park. The club is determined to avoid another situation like last year’s Alexander Isak saga. ‎ ‎Newcastle United insist Sandro Tonali is not for sale despite reported interest from Manchester United and Chelsea, aiming to protect their long-term project. ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎ ‎The Magpies have taken a firm stance against transfer speculation, rejecting suggestions that they are a selling club. Reports of a £100 million price tag are being described as inaccurate, with senior Newcastle officials emphasizing publicly and privately that Tonali is “not for sale.” Even in a transitional season, the club remains committed to the 25-year-old, viewing him as a central figure in...
Read more