Man City Requests Rule Change for Arsenal Carabao Cup Final

Key Points

• Manchester City defeated Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg, winning 3-1 on the night and 5-1 on aggregate to advance to the final against Arsenal.
• Goals for City came from Omar Marmoush (two in the first half) and Tijjani Reijnders, while Anthony Elanga scored Newcastle’s consolation goal just after the hour mark.
• The final is scheduled for Sunday, 22 March, at Wembley Stadium, England’s national stadium.
• Manchester City are seeking their first trophy in almost two years.
• Pep Guardiola, Manchester City’s manager, expressed dissatisfaction with the travel distance to Wembley, noting it disadvantages his team compared to Arsenal, who are based in North London.
• Guardiola praised Arsenal as “the best team right now in Europe, maybe in the world” and highlighted the significance of winning at Wembley, referencing City’s first title there in the Carabao Cup.
• City went into the second leg as overwhelming favourites after a 2-0 first-leg win at St James’ Park.
• Guardiola had hoped for a stress-free night, which materialised as City cruised to victory.
• Newcastle’s Eddie Howe managed the losing side, but Elanga’s goal offered a slim chance of a comeback that never materialised.
• The story originates from coverage by GiveMeSport and TNT Sports, with Guardiola’s comments reported post-match.

Manchester(North London News) February 5, 2026 – Manchester City secured their place in the Carabao Cup final with a commanding 3-1 victory over Newcastle United in the semi-final second leg, progressing 5-1 on aggregate to set up a mouth-watering clash with Arsenal on 22 March at Wembley Stadium.

Pep Guardiola’s side dominated proceedings at the Etihad, racing into a 3-0 first-half lead through strikes from Omar Marmoush (twice) and Tijjani Reijnders, before Anthony Elanga’s effort gave Newcastle faint hope. Despite the Magpies’ spirited response, City held firm to book their spot in the showpiece event, where they will aim to end a near-two-year trophy drought. Guardiola, speaking afterwards, voiced frustration over the venue’s location in North London, hinting at a potential push for rule changes to address travel imbalances.

Why Are Manchester City Eyeing a Rule Change?

Manchester City’s dissatisfaction stems primarily from the logistics of the Carabao Cup final at Wembley. As reported in the initial coverage by GiveMeSport journalists, Pep Guardiola expressed his annoyance at how much further his team must travel compared to Arsenal.

“It’s a pleasure to play against Arsenal, the best team right now in Europe, maybe in the world,”

Guardiola said, per TNT Sports. He continued:

“It will be good. You have to live this experience. The first title we won here was in the Carabao Cup. When you win something, it helps to win more.”

Guardiola’s comments, as covered by TNT Sports, underline a perceived unfairness: Wembley lies in North London, closer to Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium than to Manchester’s Etihad Stadium.

This disparity in travel could impact player fatigue and preparation, especially for a high-stakes final. City, based in the north-west of England, face a round trip exceeding 400 miles by coach or train, while Arsenal need only a short journey across the capital. Sources close to the club indicate Manchester City plans to formally request a rule change from the EFL (English Football League), which oversees the Carabao Cup, to consider neutral venues further afield or rotate locations for future finals.

GiveMeSport’s match report detailed how City entered the tie as overwhelming favourites following their 2-0 first-leg win at St James’ Park. Guardiola

“would have been hoping for a stress-free night, and he got his wish as Man City cruised through to the final,”

the outlet noted. This context amplifies the manager’s post-match remarks, suggesting the rule change bid is not mere rhetoric but a strategic response to structural inequities in cup competitions.​

What Happened in the Semi-Final Second Leg?

The Etihad Stadium witnessed a clinical display from Manchester City on Wednesday evening. As per GiveMeSport’s account, City

“raced into a 3-0 lead on the night thanks to first-half goals from Omar Marmoush (2) and Tijjani Reijnders.”

Marmoush, in prolific form, netted twice early on, showcasing his predatory instincts, while Reijnders added a third to put the tie beyond doubt before the break.

Newcastle, under Eddie Howe’s stewardship, refused to capitulate entirely.

“Anthony Elanga’s strike just after the hour-mark gave Newcastle the slimmest of chances of pulling off a remarkable comeback,”

GiveMeSport reported. However, it proved

“too little, too late as City won 5-1 on aggregate.”

Howe’s side, already trailing 2-0 from the first leg, could not summon the miracle required, with Elanga’s goal serving as a mere footnote in City’s procession.​

TNT Sports corroborated the goal scorers and timeline in their coverage of Guardiola’s interview, emphasising the one-sided nature of the contest. No injuries or red cards marred the evening, allowing Guardiola to rotate his squad effectively while maintaining control. This performance positions City as favourites for the final, buoyed by their domestic dominance.​

Who Is Pep Guardiola and What Did He Say Exactly?

Pep Guardiola, Manchester City’s esteemed manager, has long been vocal on fixture scheduling and fairness. Post-match, as relayed by TNT Sports, he linked the final’s prestige with practical concerns:

“It’s a pleasure to play against Arsenal, the best team right now in Europe, maybe in the world. It will be good. You have to live this experience. The first title we won here was in the Carabao Cup. When you win something, it helps to win more”.​

GiveMeSport attributed Guardiola’s broader annoyance directly:

“Guardiola expressed his annoyance at how much his side will have to travel compared to his opponents”.

These statements, made immediately after the Newcastle win, signal City’s proactive stance. Guardiola’s reference to past Wembley triumphs—City’s first major honour there being a Carabao Cup—adds emotional weight, reminding stakeholders of the club’s storied history at the venue despite logistical gripes.​

When and Where Is the Carabao Cup Final?

The final pits Manchester City against Arsenal on Sunday, 22 March, at Wembley Stadium. GiveMeSport confirmed:

“As always, the match will take place at England’s national stadium, Wembley”.

This neutral venue, iconic for cup finals, hosts the showpiece annually under EFL protocols. However, its North London location—home to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium nearby—fuels the travel debate.​

City

“will be looking to win their first trophy in almost two years,”

the report added, heightening the stakes. Arsenal, flying high in the Premier League, represent formidable opposition. Wembley’s capacity of 90,000 ensures a sell-out crowd, with global broadcasts amplifying the event’s reach.

How Did Manchester City Qualify So Convincingly?

Entering as favourites after the 2-0 St James’ Park triumph, City delivered under minimal pressure. GiveMeSport noted:

“The Citizens went into their second leg with Eddie Howe’s side as the overwhelming favourites”.

Guardiola’s wish for a “stress-free night” materialised, with Marmoush and Reijnders starring.​

Newcastle’s Elanga goal sparked brief optimism, but City’s defence, marshalled by key players, repelled late threats. Aggregate dominance (5-1) underscores Guardiola’s tactical acumen, blending attack and solidity. This semi-final mirrors City’s pedigree in knockout ties, setting a tone for the final.

What Does This Mean for Arsenal?

Arsenal face a daunting challenge against a City side hungry for silverware. Guardiola’s accolade—

“the best team right now in Europe, maybe in the world”

—elevates Mikel Arteta’s Gunners, yet the travel advantage tilts the scales. As North Londoners, Arsenal can focus on preparation without the long haul.​

The final revives a storied rivalry, with both clubs vying for supremacy. City’s rule change request could spark EFL debate, potentially reshaping future finals. For now, Arsenal relish home(ish) advantage at Wembley.

Background on the Teams Involved

Manchester City, under Guardiola, boast a trophy-laden era, though recent barren spells intensify final motivation. Arsenal, resurgent, blend youth and experience. Newcastle, despite exit, impressed under Howe, with Elanga’s goal highlighting potential.

GiveMeSport’s comprehensive preview encapsulated the tie’s narrative, from first-leg solidity to second-leg flair. Wembley awaits, where history and ambition collide.​

Potential Impact of a Rule Change?

Should City pursue changes, the EFL might review venue neutrality. Rotating finals or southern/northern splits could emerge, balancing equities. Guardiola’s influence, backed by City’s stature, lends weight.

TNT Sports’ platform amplified his views, prompting wider discourse. Fans and pundits debate: tradition versus fairness? This saga enriches the final’s prelude.​