Semenyo Scores Again as City Take Command of Carabao Cup Semi-Final

Manchester City seized control of their Carabao Cup semi-final tie against holders Newcastle United, securing a resolute 2-0 victory in the first leg at St James’ Park thanks to goals from new signing Antoine Semenyo and substitute Rayan Cherki.

Pep Guardiola’s side will take a significant advantage back to the Etihad Stadium for the return leg on February 4, after weathering a storm of pressure from the hosts.

Semenyo Makes Instant Impact

Antoine Semenyo, who completed a £65m move from Bournemouth less than a week ago, continued his blistering start to life in Manchester. Following a goal and an assist in the weekend’s record-equalling 10-1 demolition of Exeter City, the Ghanaian forward proved decisive on a tighter stage.

Semenyo broke the deadlock in the first half, converting at the back post after Jérémy Doku’s cross was hooked back across the face of the goal by Bernardo Silva. The forward’s inclusion was a point of contention for Newcastle manager Eddie Howe, who noted pre-match that a recent rule change allowed Semenyo to feature despite having played for Bournemouth earlier in the competition.

Newcastle Rue Missed Chances

While City provided the finishing touch, Newcastle were left to regret a lack of fortune and precision. The hosts struck the woodwork twice in quick succession during a goalless first half.

Yoane Wissa saw a looping header tipped onto the crossbar by City goalkeeper James Trafford—who faced a hostile reception from the home crowd after rejecting a move to Tyneside last summer. Moments later, Newcastle captain Bruno Guimarães rattled the bar with a rasping drive. Wissa also spurned a golden opportunity early on, scooping over from close range.

VAR Delay and Late Drama

City thought they had doubled their lead shortly after the opener when Semenyo flicked home a Tijjani Reijnders corner. However, following a protracted VAR review lasting more than five minutes, referee Chris Kavanagh disallowed the goal, judging that Erling Haaland—whose lean spell in front of goal continued—was offside and interfering with play.

Despite the reprieve, Newcastle could not find an equaliser. Instead, the visitors struck a fatal blow deep into stoppage time. In the 98th minute, substitute Rayan Cherki lashed the ball past Nick Pope to silence the Gallowgate End.

Howe: We Are Still Alive

Despite the defeat, Newcastle manager Eddie Howe insisted the tie is not over, drawing parallels to previous comebacks.

“We’re still alive,” Howe said. “We’re still in there fighting. It’s very difficult to turn it around, but it’s still possible.”

For Manchester City, the result places them as heavy favourites to reach Wembley. They now turn their attention to a massive Manchester derby against United at Old Trafford this Saturday.