Antoine Semenyo and Rayan Cherki were on target as Manchester City seized control of their Carabao Cup semi-final against holders Newcastle United, emerging from a hostile St James’ Park with a vital 2-0 first-leg victory.
The result leaves Pep Guardiola’s side firmly in the driving seat ahead of the return leg at the Etihad Stadium on 4 February, with City now heavy favourites to book another trip to Wembley.
Semenyo’s Instant Impact Continues
Having completed a £65m move from Bournemouth less than a week ago, Semenyo has wasted no time justifying City’s investment.
After scoring once and registering an assist on his debut during the club record-equalling 10-1 FA Cup demolition of Exeter City, the Ghana international delivered again on the big stage with a crucial away goal in the semi-final.
The breakthrough arrived in the second half when Jeremy Doku’s dangerous cross was hooked on by Bernardo Silva, allowing Semenyo to ghost in at the back post and apply a calm finish.
The 26-year-old later thought he had doubled his tally — and City’s lead — with an instinctive flick from a corner, only for the effort to be ruled out following a prolonged VAR review, adding to the night’s controversy.
Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe openly lamented a recent rule change that allowed Semenyo to feature despite having already played for Bournemouth earlier in the competition — a decision that ultimately proved costly for the Magpies.
Newcastle Left to Rue Missed Chances
Despite the scoreline, Newcastle will reflect on a night of what might have been, having enjoyed several golden opportunities before falling behind.
City goalkeeper James Trafford, returning to the club he rejoined after rejecting a Newcastle move last summer, was called into action early. He produced a fine save to tip Yoane Wissa’s looping header onto the crossbar, before moments later watching on as Bruno Guimarães rattled the bar with a fierce long-range strike.
Wissa also squandered a clear-cut chance in the opening stages, scooping his effort over the bar from close range when the hosts were well on top.
Those missed opportunities proved costly as City weathered the storm, grew into the contest, and ultimately punished Newcastle’s lack of cutting edge.
Cherki Delivers the Knockout Blow
As the clock ticked into stoppage time, the home crowd dared to dream once more when nine additional minutes were announced — memories still fresh of Newcastle’s dramatic late comeback against Leeds United just days earlier.
But this time, there was no miracle.
Instead, substitute Rayan Cherki delivered what felt like a decisive blow in the 98th minute, lashing the ball past Nick Pope to double City’s advantage and silence St James’ Park.
The goal sparked celebrations among the travelling supporters high in the stands, while Newcastle fans headed for the exits, their hopes of a late revival extinguished.
Electric Atmosphere, Familiar Outcome
The evening began with belief among the home support. A spectacular pre-match flag display depicted the Wembley arch above a banner reading “Gannin’ Alang Wembley Way”, while the noise inside the stadium was relentless.
Trafford was booed at every touch, throw-ins and corners were roared on, and the decision to disallow Semenyo’s second-half goal was greeted with deafening approval.
Yet, despite the intensity, Newcastle failed to find the net, a rarity under Howe at home — and one that leaves them facing a monumental task in the second leg.
A Daunting Etihad Challenge Awaits
Newcastle’s history offers little comfort. They have won only once at the Etihad Stadium, and under Howe have failed to score there since his appointment in 2021.
To overturn this tie, they will need to conquer not just City, but a long-standing psychological barrier.
“We’re still alive,” Howe insisted.
“It’s very difficult to turn it around, but it’s still possible. Football can conjure magical moments.”
Guardiola’s City Take Control
From Manchester City’s perspective, this was a display of composure and control under pressure.
Despite struggling to carve out clear chances in the first half, Guardiola’s side gradually imposed themselves, silencing the crowd with patient possession and decisive moments in the final third.
Semenyo’s seamless integration has added pace, power and directness to City’s attack, while Cherki’s late goal highlighted the depth and quality available from the bench.
Erling Haaland’s personal drought continued — the Norwegian failing to score from open play for a sixth straight game — but City barely missed his cutting edge on a night when others stepped up.
City Close In on Wembley Return
With a two-goal cushion and the second leg at home, City are now overwhelming favourites to progress.
They have advanced from their last six Carabao Cup semi-finals, winning the trophy on each occasion, and are poised to reach Wembley in this competition for the first time since 2021.
For Newcastle, belief remains — but realism bites hard.
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