Manchester City have one foot in the Carabao Cup final after a commanding 2-0 victory over holders Newcastle United at St James' Park, with new signing Antoine Semenyo once again the match-winner. The £62.5 million forward, whose eligibility became a pre-match controversy, delivered a decisive performance to leave Newcastle boss Eddie Howe fuming and Pep Guardiola's side in firm control of the semi-final tie.
Semenyo Seals the Deal for City
The breakthrough came from the man Newcastle feared most. In a move that showcased City's attacking fluidity, Jeremy Doku drove down the flank before delivering a dangerous cross. After a clever, deft touch from Bernardo Silva, the ball fell perfectly for Antoine Semenyo to convert at the back post.
This marked the Ghana international's second goal in just two appearances for his new club, having also netted in the 10-1 FA Cup demolition of Exeter City the previous week. Semenyo thought he had doubled his tally on the night, kneeing home another effort, only for a lengthy VAR review to rule it out for an offside interference by Erling Haaland on goalkeeper Nick Pope.
Howe's Rule Change Frustration
The loudest complaints post-match will undoubtedly come from the Newcastle dugout. Head coach Eddie Howe had openly criticised a recent rule change that allowed Semenyo to play, as the striker would have been cup-tied under the old regulations having featured for Bournemouth earlier in the competition.
"Yeah, it was nice to find out that rule had changed after finding out they'd signed him," Howe remarked sarcastically before the match. "I have to say, that's probably one rule change I wouldn't be supportive of at this current moment." His frustration will only have deepened after Semenyo's decisive contribution on Tuesday evening.
Cherki Wraps Up Vital Victory
While Semenyo grabbed the headlines, Manchester City's performance was a collective effort. Jeremy Doku was a constant menace with his pace and trickery, unsettling the Newcastle defence throughout the contest. The hosts did create chances of their own, with Yoane Wissa forcing a fine save from City's keeper and captain Bruno Guimaraes powerfully striking the woodwork.
However, City sealed the win in the closing stages to take a commanding lead into the second leg. Substitute Rayan Cherki showed composure to tuck home from Rayan Ait-Nouri's cross, giving the scoreline a more definitive look and leaving Newcastle with a mountain to climb at the Etihad Stadium in early February.
A Daunting Task for the Holders
The result leaves Newcastle United, the current Carabao Cup holders, with a formidable challenge if they are to retain their crown and return to Wembley. They must now secure a rare victory at the home of the Premier League champions to overturn the two-goal deficit. To compound matters for Eddie Howe, the in-form Antoine Semenyo will be eligible to feature once again in the return fixture, posing the same potent threat.
For Pep Guardiola and Manchester City, this was a professional and tactically astute display away from home, putting them on the brink of another cup final appearance. The dream start for their marquee January signing continues, and his impact could prove the defining factor in this season's Carabao Cup.
