Antoine Semenyo marked a dream start to his Manchester City career by scoring again in a 2-0 Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg victory at Newcastle United on Tuesday night.
The £65m January signing from Bournemouth, who had scored on his debut against Exeter City, became the first City player since Emmanuel Adebayor in 2009 to net in his first two games for the club. His early goal at St James’ Park gave City the lead against the run of play, after Newcastle had twice hit the woodwork and created several early chances.
Semenyo capitalised on a swift counter-attack, with Jeremy Doku providing the assist for the Ghana forward to finish from close range. City’s control grew after the opener, despite a disallowed Semenyo goal later in the second half following a VAR review that deemed Erling Haaland had interfered with play.
Newcastle’s frustrations continued late in stoppage time when substitute Rayan Cherki sealed the win, firing home a fine team move in the 98th minute. The result leaves City with a commanding advantage ahead of the second leg at the Etihad on 4 February.
Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe, who had criticised a recent rule change allowing Semenyo to play despite featuring for Bournemouth earlier in the competition, remained defiant. “We’re still alive,” Howe said. “It’s very difficult to turn it around but it’s still possible and football can conjure up some magical moments. If we can get the next goal, we are still very much in it.”
City, buoyed by Saturday’s record-equalling 10-1 FA Cup win over Exeter, now go into the return leg with momentum and history on their side, having advanced from their last six Carabao Cup semi-finals en route to lifting the trophy each time.
For Newcastle, the challenge is steep: the Magpies have rarely troubled City at the Etihad and remain yet to score there under Howe.