English domestic cup football delivered a sweeping night of drama across the country, highlighted by Manchester City securing their passage to Wembley alongside a flurry of decisive second-round ties. City effectively put their semi-final second leg against Newcastle United to rest inside an explosive three-minute first-half spell, while outfits across the top flight and EFL fought for survival in knockout competition.

The second leg was all but settled before the half-hour mark. In the 29th minute, Omar Marmoush rose at the back post to head home Antoine Semenyo’s deflected cross. Just three minutes later, Semenyo carved through the Magpies’ defensive lines, driving into the penalty area before Tijjani Reijnders took possession to slot a composed low finish past Aaron Ramsdale from 10 yards out. Marmoush, named Star Man for his tireless attacking play, added two more goals against Eddie Howe’s side following his memorable treble against them last season, proving to be an unrelenting thorn in Newcastle’s side.

Newcastle produced a spirited response after the interval, with Anthony Elanga pulling a goal back just past the hour mark. The visitors briefly threatened to ignite a comeback, seeing a second strike ruled out for offside before Elanga missed a gilt-edged opportunity in the 69th minute. City’s tactical composure held firm under pressure, with James Trafford starting in goal behind a defensive line of Matheus Nunes, Abdukodir Khusanov, Nathan Ake, and Rayan Ait-Nouri, with Max Alleyne replacing Ake at the break. Nico, Reijnders, and Nico O’Reilly anchored the midfield before Rodri replaced O’Reilly on 71 minutes, while Erling Haaland and Rayan Cherki entered a