Manchester City took a commanding step towards the Carabao Cup final with a 2-0 away victory over holders Newcastle United at a packed St James’ Park. Goals from Antoine Semenyo and Rayan Cherki gave Pep Guardiola’s side a valuable first-leg lead ahead of the return leg at the Etihad next month.
Semenyo, City’s newest signing from Bournemouth, continued his dream start by scoring in his second straight game. The £65m forward converted Bernardo Silva’s flicked header at the back post in the 53rd minute. Although he later had a second ruled out for offside—after an unusually long VAR delay—his impact was undeniable.
Cherki added a stoppage-time second, finishing off a slick move with a low strike past Nick Pope in the 98th minute, crushing Newcastle’s hopes of a late comeback. The Magpies, buoyed by a passionate home crowd, had come close to scoring earlier when Yoane Wissa’s header hit the bar and Bruno Guimaraes also struck the woodwork.
Despite missing key chances and hitting the frame twice, Newcastle failed to convert their dominance into goals. Now they face a huge uphill task in the second leg at the Etihad, where they have not scored since Eddie Howe took charge.
James Trafford, who turned down Newcastle last summer, was solid in goal for City and denied Cherki brilliantly before the Frenchman eventually found the net. Meanwhile, Erling Haaland continued his goal drought, failing to score from open play in his last six matches.
City are now heavy favourites to reach their first Carabao Cup final since 2021. They have a flawless record of converting semi-final appearances into trophies in their last six campaigns.
Both clubs face tough tests ahead in the league and Europe, but it’s City who carry all the momentum going into the second leg on 4 February.
