Manchester City moved closer to the Carabao Cup final with a 2-0 victory over Newcastle United at St James’ Park on Tuesday. Ghanaian striker Antoine Semenyo, signed from Bournemouth last week for £65 million, opened the scoring and came close to a second before it was ruled out after a VAR review. Rayan Cherki added a late goal in the 98th minute to secure the win.
Newcastle, who lifted their first major trophy in 70 years last season, dominated early chances but struggled to break through City’s defence. Yoane Wissa missed a golden opportunity in the opening five minutes, and Bruno Guimaraes struck the post shortly after half-time. City goalkeeper James Trafford made key saves, including a stunning stop to deny Wissa.
The decisive goal came in the 54th minute when Jeremy Doku’s cross was turned by Bernardo Silva into Semenyo, who tapped in from close range. Semenyo thought he had doubled his tally later, but VAR adjudged Erling Haaland interfered with play, nullifying the effort.
Cherki sealed the victory in stoppage time after capitalising on a low cross from Rayan Ait-Nouri. The win gives Pep Guardiola’s side a strong advantage ahead of the second leg at the Etihad Stadium on February 4.
Newcastle will need near-perfect performances to overturn the deficit and defend their title, while City aim to reach the final for the first time since 2021.
The match also marked a new rule in the competition allowing players to feature for two clubs in the same campaign, benefiting Semenyo, who had scored on his City debut in a 10-1 FA Cup win over Exeter.
City’s lineup included Erling Haaland, making his first League Cup start in three years, and a mix of regulars and emerging talents as Guardiola looks to blend experience with fresh energy this season.
The second leg promises to be a crucial showdown for both sides as they chase a place in the March final against either Chelsea or Arsenal.
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