Man City, Arsenal League Cup final

MANCHESTER, England:

It's Manchester City vs Arsenal in the English League Cup final.

The current top two in the English Premier League will go head-to-head at Wembley Stadium next month after City beat Newcastle 3-1 on Wednesday to complete a 5-1 win on aggregate in the semi-finals.

Both City and Arsenal are still in contention for a clean sweep of trophies this season. The League Cup is the chance to lift the first piece of major silverware this term and to potentially inflict a psychological blow in the race for the title.

"We're here to win trophies and we give our best every day to reach these finals and win the silverware," City forward Omar Marmoush - who scored two goals on the night - told Sky Sports.

Arsenal currently lead the standings by six points ahead of second-place City. Both teams are through to the round of 16 in the Champions League and fourth round of the FA Cup.

The League Cup final is on March 22.

"It's a pleasure to play against Arsenal, the best team right now in Europe, maybe the world," City manager Pep Guardiola said. "As much (as) we (can) play against them, it will make us a better, better team."

Two first-half goals from Marmoush at the Etihad effectively finished off Newcastle in a semi-final where City led 2-0 from the first leg. Tijjani Reijnders added another before the break.

Newcastle scored a consolation through substitute Anthony Elanga and prevented what looked like being a rout after the first 45 minutes.

Arsenal booked their place in the final with a 1-0 win against Chelsea on Tuesday to seal a 4-2 aggregate victory.

- AP