Manchester City claimed a 2–0 victory over Newcastle United at St James’ Park on Tuesday night to take a firm grip on their Carabao Cup semi-final tie.
City broke the deadlock shortly after the break through Antoine Semenyo, before Rayan Cherki sealed the win deep into stoppage time. Despite the result, the tie remains alive ahead of the second leg at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday, February 4, where Newcastle will look to overturn the deficit.
After a lively opening marked by a pre-match spectacle featuring a 16-year-old guitarist performing Local Hero against the backdrop of a Wor Flags display, Newcastle started brightly and created early chances. Opportunities fell their way inside the opening exchanges, but they were unable to capitalise.
The hosts continued to threaten after the interval, hitting the woodwork and forcing a fine save from the City goalkeeper, while Bruno Guimarães also went close as Newcastle searched for an equaliser.
City eventually made their pressure count in the 53rd minute when Jérémy Doku’s cross caused problems in the box and Semenyo reacted quickest to finish from close range. It was the forward’s second goal in two matches since joining the club.
The visitors thought they had doubled their lead later in the half when Semenyo turned home from a set-piece, but after a lengthy VAR review, the goal was ruled out for offside.
Newcastle pushed forward in search of a response, while City threatened on the break. Goalkeepers at both ends were called into action as chances came and went, keeping the contest finely balanced late on.
However, the decisive moment arrived in added time, when Rayan Cherki swept home a cutback to make it 2–0, giving City a commanding advantage heading into the return leg.
City also celebrated a disciplined defensive performance, becoming the first team this season to prevent Newcastle from scoring at home, a result that further underlined their control of the tie.
Newcastle now face a difficult task when the sides meet again in Manchester, but with a place in the Carabao Cup final at stake, the second leg promises another high-stakes encounter.
