Semenyo and Cherki fire Manchester City into commanding carabao cup semi-final 2nd leg

Antoine Semenyo and Rayan Cherki struck to give Manchester City a decisive advantage in their Carabao Cup semi-final tie against holders Newcastle United, as Pep Guardiola’s side claimed a 2-0 first-leg victory at St James’ Park, Sport360NG reports.

Semenyo, who completed a £65m move from Bournemouth just days ago, continued his remarkable start to life at City by opening the scoring midway through the contest. The forward, who scored and assisted on his debut in Saturday’s record-equalling 10-1 FA Cup win over Exeter City, arrived at the far post to turn in after Jeremy Doku’s cross was flicked on by Bernardo Silva.

The Ghana international later thought he had doubled his tally for the night, only for his second effort to be ruled out following a lengthy VAR review, a decision that frustrated both the visitors and the home crowd.

Newcastle’s task became significantly tougher deep into stoppage time when substitute Cherki sealed the win, driving the ball into the net to hand City a commanding two-goal cushion ahead of the return leg.

The Magpies were left to reflect on missed opportunities on a night when fine margins went against them. With the scores level in the first half, goalkeeper James Trafford tipped Yoane Wissa’s looping header on to the crossbar before captain Bruno Guimarães rattled the woodwork with a fierce strike moments later. Wissa also squandered an early chance from close range.

Despite those moments, it was City, eight-time winners of the competition, who emerged firmly in control of the tie, which concludes at the Etihad Stadium on 4 February.

Newcastle Analysis: Missed Chances Prove Costly

A surge of belief swept around St James’ Park when nine minutes of stoppage time were signalled, echoing memories of Newcastle’s dramatic late comeback against Leeds United last week. This time, however, there was no such finale.

Cherki’s late goal felt decisive as supporters streamed out, a sharp contrast to the optimism generated by a pre-match flag display referencing Wembley. Head coach Eddie Howe acknowledged the challenge ahead but insisted the tie is not over.

“We’re still alive,” Howe said. “It’s very difficult, but football can produce magical moments. If we can get the next goal, we’re still very much in it.”

History is against Newcastle, who have won only once at the Etihad and have yet to score there under Howe, but the manager believes his side must now defy that trend to keep their Wembley hopes alive.

Manchester City Analysis: Control and Composure

City arrived on Tyneside brimming with confidence following their weekend demolition of Exeter and gradually imposed themselves despite the hostile atmosphere. While clear chances were limited early on, Guardiola’s side controlled possession and struck when it mattered.

Semenyo’s immediate impact since joining has been striking, while Erling Haaland, making his first Carabao Cup appearance in three years, endured another quiet outing in front of goal.

Cherki, however, provided the decisive touch late on, capping a slick team move and reinforcing City’s dominance in the tie.

With Guardiola’s men having progressed from each of their last six Carabao Cup semi-finals, and lifting the trophy every time, City head into the second leg as strong favourites to book a return to Wembley for the first time since 2021.