Antoine Semenyo netted his second goal in consecutive matches for Manchester City, helping them gain a crucial Carabao Cup semifinal victory over defending champions Newcastle.
The £62.5 million winger, eligible to play despite appearing for Bournemouth earlier in the competition due to a rule change, struck just eight minutes into the second half. Substitute Rayan Cherki added a stunning second goal deep into stoppage time, allowing the eight-time winners to preserve a 2-0 advantage ahead of the return leg at the Etihad Stadium on February 4.
City may have been closer to a final berth had Semenyo’s second goal not been disallowed after a controversial VAR review, on a night when the Magpies lacked the clinical finishing they needed.
Both teams showcased their squad depth despite injuries, with Eddie Howe making seven changes from the side that narrowly defeated Bournemouth in the FA Cup, while Pep Guardiola opted for five changes following a 10-1 win over Exeter the same day.
Newcastle had an early opportunity to take the lead when Anthony Gordon delivered a fine cross to Jacob Murphy, who missed the chance when he fired a left-footed shot high over the crossbar.
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City responded by pinning the Magpies back into their own half, with wingers Jérémy Doku and Semenyo applying pressure. Nick Pope was forced to intervene to tip a cross from Bernardo Silva away from the imminent danger posed by Erling Haaland.
Newcastle had a fleeting chance with Joelinton heading wide following a cross from Gordon. As the hosts began to find their rhythm, both Joelinton and Nico O’Reilly received bookings for an off-the-ball incident, while full-back Matheus Nunes was cautioned following a foul on Gordon, as the match turned physical.
Despite the intensity of the first half, neither side managed to score, and both goalkeepers were largely untested.
Just after the break, Trafford showcased his skills to deny Wissa’s header, but the Magpies’ Bruno Guimarães struck the post with his follow-up, as Newcastle emerged as a threat.
However, City capitalized on their chances when Silva directed Doku’s cross to Semenyo, who finished from close range just three minutes later.
City captain Bernardo Silva praised Semenyo, stating, “He’s not just a very good player but a great guy. He fits well into the team spirit and is eager to contribute. We’re very pleased with how he’s settled in.”
Trafford saved a shot from Guimarães, while another effort from Sven Botman was denied as Newcastle pressed for an equalizer. Semenyo thought he had scored again in the 63rd minute when he flicked a corner past Pope, but the goal was disallowed following a lengthy VAR review due to an offside call against Haaland.
As the Magpies sought to capitalize on their reprieve, Sandro Tonali missed the target with a shot in the 71st minute. However, Cherki finally found the net in the ninth minute of stoppage time after linking up with substitute Rayan Aït-Nouri and finishing confidently past the goalkeeper.
PA and The Associated Press contributed to this report.