Manchester City have taken a commanding step towards Wembley after securing a 2-0 victory over holders Newcastle United in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final. The hero of the hour was once again new signing Antoine Semenyo, whose dream start to life at the Etihad continued with the opening goal at a frustrated St James' Park.
Semenyo's Instant Impact
The £62.5 million acquisition from Bournemouth, who netted on his debut in the 10-1 FA Cup rout of Exeter, was the decisive figure on Tuesday evening. Semenyo broke the deadlock in the first half, converting from close range at the back post after a cross from Jeremy Doku and a clever touch from Bernardo Silva.
His evening could have been even more spectacular. The Ghana international thought he had doubled his tally, only for a lengthy VAR review to chalk the effort off. The officials ruled that Erling Haaland was interfering with Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope's line of sight as Semenyo kneed the ball home.
Howe's Rule Change Frustration
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe had voiced his displeasure before the match about a regulation that allowed Semenyo to play. Under previous rules, the forward would have been cup-tied after featuring 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 in his pre-match press conference. "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 seeing Semenyo deliver the crucial blow.
City's Control and Newcastle's Missed Chances
While Semenyo grabbed the headlines, Manchester City were largely in control. Jeremy Doku posed a constant threat with his pace and trickery, and substitute Rayan Cherki sealed the win late on, finishing neatly from Rayan Ait-Nouri's cross.
Newcastle did create opportunities to get back into the tie. Yoane Wissa forced a fine save from City's keeper, while captain Bruno Guimaraes rattled the woodwork with a powerful drive. Striker Nick Woltemade also spurned a late chance to grab a potentially vital consolation.
The result leaves Pep Guardiola's side firmly in the driving seat ahead of the second leg at the Etihad Stadium in early February. Newcastle now face a monumental task to overturn the deficit at a ground where they have rarely won, as they aim to defend their title and return to Wembley. To Howe's likely further annoyance, the in-form Antoine Semenyo will be eligible to feature once again.
