Manchester City took a commanding step towards the Carabao Cup final with a composed 2–0 away win over Newcastle United in the first leg of their semi-final tie.

The spotlight belonged to City’s new signing Antoine Semenyo, who continues to make an instant impact in sky blue. Fresh from an eye-catching farewell spell at AFC Bournemouth, the Ghana international struck again for his new club in the 53rd minute, finishing confidently from a low cross delivered by Jérémy Doku.

Newcastle United had their moment early in the second half when Bruno Guimarães came agonisingly close to equalising, only to see his effort crash against the post. It proved a turning point on a frustrating night for the hosts.

Semenyo thought he had doubled his tally later on, but celebrations were cut short as the goal was ruled out after VAR confirmed an offside position by Erling Haaland in the build-up.

The decisive blow arrived deep into stoppage time. On the ninth minute of added time, Rayan Cherki kept his composure to convert a precise assist from Rayan Aït-Nouri, effectively putting the tie firmly in Manchester City’s control.

2025-26, EFL Cup

Newcastle United - Manchester City 0:2 (0:0)
Goals: Semenyo, 53 (0:1); Cherki, 98 (0:2)

Newcastle United: Pope; Botman; Hall; Thiaw; Bruno Guimarães (Trippier, 87); Ramsey J. (Tonali, 69); Miley; Joelinton; Wissa Y. (Woltemade, 69); Gordon A. (Elanga, 69); Murphy J-b (Barnes H., 45)
Substitution: Barnes H. (from 45); Tonali (from 69); Elanga (from 69); Woltemade (from 69); Trippier (from 87)
Bench: Ramsdale; Murphy Alex; Willock; Neave
Yellow Cards: Joelinton 31; Bruno Guimarães 76; Trippier 90; Tonali 92

Manchester City: Trafford; Ake (Aït-Nouri, 88); Khusanov; Alleyne; Bernardo Silva; Matheus Nunes (Lewis R., 62); Foden (Reijnders, 62); O'Reilly (Rodri, 62); Håland E.; Doku J. (Cherki, 77); Semenyo
Substitution: Lewis R. (from 62); Reijnders (from 62); Rodri (from 62); Cherki (from 77); Aït-Nouri (from 88)
Bench: Donnarumma G.; Gray C.; McAidoo; Mukasa
Yellow Cards: O'Reilly 31; Matheus Nunes 37; Bernardo Silva 73; Lewis R. 83