Semenyo Strikes Again! Man City Stun Newcastle In League Cup Semi-Final Clash

Last Updated:January 14, 2026, 08:43 IST

Antoine Semenyo and Rayan Cherki scored as Manchester City beat Newcastle 2-0 in the League Cup semi-final first leg, putting Pep Guardiola’s side close to the final.

Man City's Antoine Semenyo celebrates his goal with Phil Foden (AP)

Antoine Semenyo wasted no time announcing himself as a Manchester City favourite, scoring yet again as Pep Guardiola’s side took a huge step towards the League Cup final with a 2-0 semi-final first-leg win at Newcastle.

The £65 million signing from Bournemouth opened the scoring at St James’ Park, finishing coolly from close range after Jeremy Doku’s burst down the left caused chaos in the Magpies’ defence.

Semenyo even thought he had doubled his tally for the night — and his goal count to three in two City games — only for VAR to rule it out after a lengthy check for offside involving Erling Haaland.

Newcastle, defending champions after ending a 70-year trophy drought last season, started brightly. Yoane Wissa blazed over early, then struck the post after the break as Eddie Howe’s side pressed hard for an opener. Bruno Guimaraes also came agonisingly close, while City goalkeeper James Trafford produced a superb save to deny Wissa’s looping header.

But City absorbed the pressure and struck with ruthless efficiency.

Semenyo’s goal gave Guardiola’s men control, and Newcastle’s resistance finally broke deep into stoppage time when Rayan Cherki swept home in the 98th minute, finishing a slick counter-attack to deliver what could prove a decisive knockout punch.

Guardiola named a strong XI, including Erling Haaland’s first League Cup start in three years, underlining City’s determination to reach the final for the first time since 2021 — even with a Manchester derby looming in the league.

Newcastle now face a daunting task in the second leg on February 4, needing something special at the Etihad to keep their Wembley dreams alive.

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