NEWCASTLE, England — During much of the second half at St. James’ Park, the iconic tune “Gold” by Spandau Ballet echoed from the top of the Leazes Stand. It’s the anthem Manchester City fans have embraced to celebrate their latest acquisition, Antoine Semenyo. On a chilly Tuesday night, there were plenty of reasons for the crowd to sing out loud.
The winger, who joined from Bournemouth for £64 million just five days prior, followed up his debut goal against Exeter City on Saturday with another in the Carabao Cup semifinal first leg. His latest goal was a simple tap-in from just inches away, but he will undoubtedly score more impressive ones during his 5½-year stint in Manchester. However, none may be as crucial as this one.
For much of the match, it seemed City, grappling with injuries to several key defenders, would settle for a draw, looking ahead to the second leg at the Etihad Stadium in three weeks’ time. Yet, with Semenyo’s goal followed by a late strike from substitute Rayan Cherki in the 98th minute, they secured a valuable 2-0 victory. City fans in Newcastle are already hopeful about planning trips to Wembley.
“We know Bournemouth did an incredible job with him, and whenever the ball gets to him, he’s always ready,” Guardiola stated, acknowledging Semenyo’s timely positioning.
Semenyo was the focal point throughout the evening and found himself at the center of post-match frustrations for both managers. Guardiola expressed his anger after a nearly six-minute VAR review led to the disallowance of a second goal for Semenyo. “I’m very sure that [referees’ chief] Howard Webb will have to provide an explanation for that tomorrow,” he remarked, clearly upset.
On the other hand, Newcastle coach Eddie Howe was questioned about the fairness of Semenyo’s participation, having played for Bournemouth earlier in the tournament. This only became possible due to a rule change this season. “The rules are the rules,” Howe said, a hint of resignation in his expression. “I can’t dwell on that too much.”
Despite City’s solid performance, Guardiola conceded that the match hinged on “fine margins,” with Semenyo netting the pivotal first goal. As the chanting died down during stoppage time, City supporters seamlessly transitioned to teasing chants of “Is there a fire drill?” in response to the tide of Newcastle fans vacating the stands, even as their team was still striving for what would have been a significant goal.
It was perhaps a sense of resignation that led them to leave early, given the previous 90-plus minutes dominated by City’s defenders Abdukodir Khusanov and Max Alleyne. At only 20 and 21 years old, respectively, they were filling in due to injuries to key players such as Josko Gvardiol, Rúben Dias, and John Stones. Just a few weeks prior, Alleyne had been on loan at Watford, facing Birmingham.
As they prepared for kickoff at St. James’ Park, fans unfurled a banner urging, “Get into ’em.” However, it appeared the opposite was true.
Early on, nerves crept in—Khusanov miscontrolled a high ball nearly leading to a Newcastle goal courtesy of Anthony Gordon. A pass from City keeper James Trafford slipped under Alleyne’s foot inside the penalty box. However, their confidence grew as the game progressed. By halftime, Alleyne was taking charge, pushing forward and delivering crisp passes to Erling Haaland.
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City’s main task was keeping Newcastle at bay, and they executed it flawlessly. Howe’s team, fueled by the energy from their supporters, mustered only three shots on target—a rare failure to score at home, having done so only once since November 2024.
Yoanne Wissa nearly tested Trafford with a header in the second half, but that was the extent of their threat. Substitute striker Nick Woltemade entered the fray for the final 20 minutes but failed to make the desired impact.
“It was a solid challenge,” Guardiola noted. “With Wissa’s presence on transitions and Woltemade’s ability on the ball, they tested us, but my players were extraordinary defensively. I am incredibly grateful to Watford for Alleyne, who has truly evolved as a football player.”
Looking ahead, it’s promising for City that Semenyo, Khusanov, and Alleyne stepped up during this crucial match as they prepare for significant fixtures over the next week, starting with a Manchester derby at Old Trafford on Saturday and a Champions League clash against Bodo/Glimt on Tuesday, which is vital for securing a place in the competition’s top eight.
Guardiola has repeatedly emphasized this season the importance of high-pressure games for helping his restructured squad develop. Matchups like playing at the Bernabéu against Real Madrid and now this cup semifinal against Newcastle are just that.
With this challenge behind them, Guardiola’s team is eyeing another trophy.