Manchester City 2–0 Newcastle: Semenyo and Cherki Hand City Control of EFL Cup Semi-Final

Manchester City took a firm grip on their EFL Cup semi-final with a 2-0 first-leg victory over Newcastle United at St James’ Park, becoming the first side to keep Eddie Howe’s team scoreless at home this season.

Newcastle came into the tie in confident form, having won four of their last five matches and beaten City 2-1 at St James’ Park less than two months ago. Howe had already guided the club to their first trophy since 1969 last season and Newcastle were chasing a tenth straight EFL Cup win, having won all three semi-finals they had previously contested. City, meanwhile, arrived after three straight Premier League draws, though a goal frenzy 10-1 FA Cup win over Exeter, where new signing Antoine Semenyo impressed with a goal and an assist.

The hosts started brightly and carved out the best chance of the first half inside five minutes. Jacob Murphy slid Yoane Wissa through on goal, but the forward lifted his effort high over the bar. Murphy remained Newcastle’s main creative outlet and that chance proved to be the only clear opening of the half. Murphy was forced off in added time at the end of the first half, disrupting the home side’s attacking rhythm as the teams went in level at 0-0.

City struck eight minutes after the restart. With Ramsey off the pitch, Jeremy Doku drove down the left and delivered a low cross into the box. Bernardo Silva made a subtle touch at the near post, allowing Semenyo to tap the ball beyond Nick Pope for his second goal in as many cup appearances for the club. The forward has now scored in both of his first two appearances for Manchester City in all competitions, becoming the first player to do so since Emmanuel Adebayor in August 2009.

Semenyo’s involvement was notable given a rule change introduced for the 2025-26 season. Under updated EFL regulations, players are now permitted to represent up to two clubs in the Carabao Cup in the same campaign, provided appearances come in different rounds. Semenyo had featured for Bournemouth in the second round earlier in the season, meaning he was eligible to play for City in the semi-finals following his January move. Howe later admitted he was not supportive of the change, saying it was “one rule I wouldn’t be supportive of at this current moment”.

City thought they had doubled their lead on 63 minutes when Semenyo again found the net, guiding Reijnders’ cross home at the far post. However, after a lengthy VAR check of over five minutes, Erling Haaland was judged to be offside in the build-up and the goal was ruled out. The decision sparked the loudest roar of the night from the St James’ Park crowd and briefly lifted the home side.

Despite the renewed atmosphere, Newcastle were unable to find a breakthrough. City remained composed and, deep into stoppage time, sealed the win.

Ryan Cherki combined with Ait-Nouri following a Semenyo throw-in, met the return pass and swept a low finish into the bottom corner in the 98th minute to give City a commanding advantage.

The result puts Guardiola’s side firmly on course for another Wembley appearance, extending their record of progress from EFL Cup semi-finals. For Newcastle, the second leg now represents a significant challenge, having been shut out at home for the first time this season and beaten by a City side missing several key defenders.