Manchester City moved into a strong position in their Carabao Cup semi-final after goals from Antoine Semenyo and Rayan Cherki secured a first-leg victory away to Newcastle United.
Manchester City moved into a strong position in their Carabao Cup semi-final after goals from Antoine Semenyo and Rayan Cherki secured a first-leg victory away to Newcastle United.
The January recruit Semenyo, who finalised a £65m switch from Bournemouth less than a week earlier, continued his fast start in sky blue by opening the scoring. Having already produced a goal and an assist on his first outing in a 10-1 FA Cup win over Exeter City, the forward struck again on Tyneside.
He arrived unmarked at the far post to finish after Jeremy Doku’s delivery was glanced on by Bernardo Silva. A second effort from Semenyo was later ruled out, prompting frustration among the visiting bench.
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe was left to reflect on a recent regulation amendment that allowed the Ghana international to feature despite earlier appearances in the competition for his former club.
Before falling behind, Newcastle came close to taking the lead on multiple occasions and will regret their lack of reward during a dominant spell.
James Trafford was forced into action when he diverted Yoane Wissa’s looping header onto the crossbar, and within moments, captain Bruno Guimaraes rattled the woodwork with a fierce strike from a distance.
Wissa also squandered a clear opening earlier in the contest, lifting the ball over from close range when well placed. Those moments proved costly as the Magpies failed to find the net.
The disappointment deepened late on when substitute Cherki fired decisively into the goal during stoppage time, doubling City’s advantage just as hope briefly returned around the stadium.
The atmosphere inside St. James’ Park was intense from the outset, with a vast pre-match display and constant jeers aimed at Trafford, who declined a move to Newcastle last summer. Nine added minutes raised expectations of another dramatic finish, but this time the hosts were denied.
Pep Guardiola’s side controlled proceedings with patient circulation, even if clear chances were scarce before the interval. The away supporters were the ones celebrating at the final whistle, aware of the significance of a two-goal cushion.
Erling Haaland, making his first appearance in the tournament for three years, was unable to end a run that has seen him score only once, from the spot, in his last six outings. A lengthy VAR check also drew confusion when City saw a second goal chalked off after more than five minutes of deliberation.
With the return match scheduled for 4 February at the Etihad Stadium, the eight-time winners carry momentum and history with them, having advanced from each of their previous six semi-final ties in this competition.
