Carabao Cup SF: Newcastle 0-2 Man City – Semenyo & Cherki Hand City Big Lead.

Carabao Cup SF: Newcastle 0-2 Man City – Semenyo & Cherki Hand City Big Lead.


Carabao Cup Semi-Final First Leg Highlights: Newcastle United 0-2 Manchester City (Tue 13 Jan 2026) – Semenyo & Cherki Give City Commanding Lead.

                    In a tense and controversial Carabao Cup semi-final first leg at St. James' Park on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, Manchester City secured a vital 2-0 victory over holders Newcastle United.

            Goals from new signing Antoine Semenyo (53') and substitute Rayan Cherki (90'+8) handed Pep Guardiola's side a strong advantage heading into the return leg at the Etihad Stadium on February 4. The match, attended by 51,392 fans, was marked by a lengthy VAR delay disallowing Semenyo's second goal and Newcastle's near misses that could have changed the tie.

The result leaves Newcastle facing an uphill battle to defend their title, while City edge closer to their first final since 2021. Despite a passionate home atmosphere and several woodwork strikes, the Magpies couldn't find the net, marking a rare blank at St. James' this season.

Match Summary & Key Moments

Half-Time: 0-0 The first half was cagey, with City dominating possession to quiet the raucous crowd. Newcastle created the better chances: Yoane Wissa scooped over from close range early on, while James Trafford tipped Wissa's looping header onto the bar, followed immediately by Bruno Guimarães rattling the post with a powerful drive.

Pep Guardiola angered by VAR during Man City's cup semi-final win ...

Second Half Drama City broke the deadlock in the 53rd minute. Jeremy Doku beat Harvey Barnes down the left and delivered a low cross; Bernardo Silva hooked it on, and Antoine Semenyo tapped home at the back post for his second goal in as many starts since his £65m move from Bournemouth. The Ghanaian forward, who scored and assisted in City's 10-1 FA Cup win over Exeter days earlier, proved an instant hit.


Semenyo thought he'd doubled the lead soon after, flicking in from a corner, but a controversial VAR review—lasting nearly six minutes—disallowed it for Erling Haaland's offside interference. The decision frustrated Guardiola, who later demanded an explanation from referees' chief Howard Webb, referencing past incidents.

Newcastle pushed hard, with substitutes like Sandro Tonali testing Trafford, but City sealed it in stoppage time. A swift counter saw Rayan Aït-Nouri cut back from the byline, and Rayan Cherki swept home to make it 2-0—a killer blow as fans began exiting.

Team Performances & Player Ratings

Manchester City (Player of the Match: Antoine Semenyo – 7.77 rating) City showed resilience despite injuries, with Semenyo's clinical finishing and Cherki's late impact proving decisive. Trafford made key saves, Bernardo Silva orchestrated, and the defense (Khusanov, Alleyne) held firm. Haaland's goal drought continued, but the team controlled key moments.

Semenyo on target again as Man City beat Newcastle in League Cup ...

Newcastle United The Magpies hit the woodwork twice and missed big chances, but lacked cutting edge. Bruno Guimarães (captain) was energetic, Wissa wasteful, and Gordon quiet. Injuries (e.g., Murphy's hamstring) stretched resources. Eddie Howe noted the tie remains alive: "If we get the next goal, we're still very much in it."

City defeat a reminder Newcastle have entered a level where it's ...

Tactical Insights & Controversies

Guardiola's side absorbed pressure, used possession to frustrate, and struck clinically. The VAR delay for Semenyo's "goal" (Haaland offside) sparked debate—Guardiola called it a "five-minute-and-30-second" interruption that fueled City's resolve.

Howe lamented Semenyo's eligibility due to a rule change allowing mid-season transfers in the competition, despite his Bournemouth appearance.

City's history in semis (progressed from last six) makes them favorites, especially with Newcastle's poor Etihad record under Howe (no goals since 2021).
Post-Match Reactions

Pep Guardiola: Praised Semenyo's integration and City's anger turning to performance after VAR. "The VAR delay made us stronger."

Eddie Howe: "We're still alive... Football can conjure magical moments." Highlighted Wissa's early miss as pivotal.

Antoine Semenyo: Enjoying life at City after quick impact.
What's Next?
Newcastle: Wolves (PL, Sun 18 Jan), PSV (Champions League, Wed 21 Jan)
Manchester City: Man United (PL, Sat 17 Jan), Bodo/Glimt (Champions League, Tue 20 Jan)

The second leg promises fireworks—Newcastle need a miracle turnaround, while City eye Wembley. A thrilling tie in prospect!