Pep Guardiola praised the performance of his Manchester City side after the club beat Newcastle United to secure progress to the Carabao Cup final.
The Citizens ran riot in the second leg of their semi-final tie to race into a 3-0 lead at half-time. Omar Marmoush was on target twice for the home side, before Tijjani Reijnders made it three before the break.
Anthony Elanga pulled a goal back for Newcastle in the second period, but City remained in control. The win on the night secured a 5-1 aggregate success against the holders, and set up a final meeting with Arsenal in March.
“I’m really pleased. It’s not for granted I know how difficult it is. I don’t know how many semi-finals we played so it’s really good,” Guardiola reflected.
“In 10 years, five times [we have reached the] Carabao Cup final so it’s really good. Top, top, top.
“Except last season we have been an incredible machine there day by day and that’s good.
“For many of us, myself included, I’m really happy to come back. And for many players that have not been in the final of the Carabao Cup or in a final with this club.
“It’s a good thing to experience against maybe the best team in Europe or the world right now for many reasons, the way they play and the stats.
“It will be a good experience for us, hopefully try to arrive in March with everyone fit and ready and we can make a good game against them.
“To reach the final you have to be consistent over two games – 180 minutes and we were really good. In general, to make a 5-1 aggregate is really good.”
