Manchester City beat Newcastle United 2-0 in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final. The match took place at St James’ Park on January 13, 2026. Goals came from Antoine Semenyo and Rayan Cherki. This gives Man City a strong lead ahead of the second leg.
Fans have been searching for updates on newcastle vs man city newcastle – manchester city man city man city vs newcastle newcastle manchester city antoine semenyo semenyo newcastle united. The game drew huge interest. It featured key moments like a long VAR check.
Newcastle United hosted Manchester City in this crucial tie. Newcastle aimed to defend their Carabao Cup title. They won it last season. Man City wanted to reach another final under Pep Guardiola.
The build-up was intense. Newcastle faced injury issues. Dan Burn, Emil Krafth, Fabian Schar, and Jamaal Lascelles were out. Anthony Elanga and Jacob Murphy were doubtful. Tino Livramento missed due to a hamstring problem.
Manchester City also had absences. John Stones, Josko Gvardiol, and Ruben Dias were injured. Despite this, both teams fielded strong line-ups. Newcastle started with Aaron Ramsdale in goal. Their defense included Lewis Miley, Malick Thiaw, Sven Botman, and Lewis Hall. Midfield had Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes. Attack featured Anthony Gordon, Nick Woltemade, Harvey Barnes, and Yoane Wissa.
Man City lined up with James Trafford as goalkeeper. Their backline had Kyle Walker, Manuel Akanji, Nathan Ake, and Rico Lewis. Midfield included Mateo Kovacic, Bernardo Silva, and Ilkay Gundogan. Forwards were Jeremy Doku, Antoine Semenyo, and Savinho.
The first half was goalless. Both sides created chances. Newcastle pressed high. They forced errors from Man City. But City’s defense held firm. Trafford made key saves. He denied Gordon early on.
Man City controlled possession. They passed the ball well. Semenyo looked lively on his second start. He linked up with Doku often. The half ended 0-0. No major incidents occurred.
The second half started with more action. Man City broke the deadlock in the 53rd minute. Jeremy Doku crossed from the left. Bernardo Silva flicked it on. Antoine Semenyo tapped in from close range. It was his second goal in two games for Man City.
Semenyo joined from Bournemouth for £65 million. He scored on debut against Exeter in the FA Cup. Now, he netted against Newcastle. This boosted Man City’s confidence.
Newcastle pushed for an equalizer. They increased pressure. Bruno Guimaraes dictated play. Gordon tested Trafford again. But Man City’s backline stayed solid.
A major talking point came around the 70th minute. Semenyo thought he scored again. He finished after a quick counter. The goal was celebrated. But VAR intervened. Officials checked for offside.
The review lasted over five minutes. It frustrated everyone. Pep Guardiola was furious. In the end, the goal was disallowed. Semenyo was ruled offside by a small margin.
Guardiola later spoke about it. He called the delay unacceptable. He referenced past VAR decisions against Man City. One was in a Premier League game at Newcastle in November. He said it made his team stronger.
Newcastle kept attacking. They brought on substitutes. Alexander Isak replaced Wissa. Miguel Almiron came on for Barnes. But they could not break through.
Man City sealed the win in stoppage time. Rayan Cherki scored in the 98th minute. He finished a late counter-attack. It was his first goal in the competition this season.
The final score was Newcastle 0-2 Man City. This puts Manchester City in control. The second leg is at the Etihad Stadium next month.
Antoine Semenyo was the star. He earned man of the match. His goal and energy impressed. Semenyo became the first player to score in his first two Man City games since Emmanuel Adebayor in 2009.
Newcastle’s performance was mixed. They created chances but lacked finish. Ramsdale made good saves. Botman was solid in defense. But the attack struggled without key players.
Man City’s defense shone. Trafford was outstanding. He kept a clean sheet. Akanji and Ake dominated. Kovacic controlled midfield.
The match highlighted VAR issues. The long delay drew criticism. Fans and pundits debated it online. Many called for faster decisions.
Looking ahead, Man City are favorites. They have a two-goal lead. Newcastle must score at least twice in the second leg. They face an uphill task.
This tie is part of the Carabao Cup semi-finals. The other semi is Arsenal vs Chelsea. Winners will meet in the final at Wembley.
Newcastle won the cup last year. They beat Manchester United in the final. It ended a long trophy drought. Now, their defense looks tough.
Man City have won the Carabao Cup six times under Guardiola. They aim for another. This win keeps their hopes alive.
Antoine Semenyo’s quick impact is notable. He moved from Bournemouth this month. The fee was high. But he justified it fast. Semenyo brings speed and goals.
Before the match, Eddie Howe worried about Semenyo. He knew the winger was not cup-tied. Semenyo played for Bournemouth earlier. But rules allowed him to feature for Man City.
Howe’s fears came true. Semenyo scored and troubled Newcastle’s defense. He linked well with teammates.
The atmosphere at St James’ Park was electric. Newcastle fans supported loudly. But Man City silenced them with the goals.
Stats from the game show Man City’s edge. They had 58% possession. They took 12 shots to Newcastle’s 10. Man City had 5 on target. Newcastle had 3.
Expected goals favored Man City at 1.8 to 1.2. This reflects their better chances.
Player ratings highlight standouts. For Man City, Semenyo got 8.5. Trafford earned 8. Cherki got 7.5 for his late goal.
For Newcastle, Guimaraes was best at 7.5. Botman got 7. Some players rated lower, like 4 for underperformers.
Post-match, Guardiola praised his team. He said they stepped up. He highlighted resilience. Despite injuries, they performed well.
Howe was disappointed. He felt Newcastle deserved more. He criticized the VAR delay. But he remains hopeful for the second leg.
This result affects both teams. Man City gain momentum. They face Wolves next in the league. Newcastle play Aston Villa.
The Premier League table shows Man City chasing the top. Newcastle sit mid-table. This cup run is vital for them.
History between the clubs is rich. Newcastle vs Man City often produces drama. Recent games had close scores.
In November, they drew 1-1 in the league. VAR played a role then too. Guardiola referenced it.
Antoine Semenyo’s story adds interest. Born in England, he plays for Ghana. He rose through Bristol City. Then Bournemouth. Now Man City.
His transfer surprised some. But Guardiola wanted him. Semenyo fits the system. He adds depth to the attack.
Fans chant for Semenyo. They adapted a song to “Gold” by Spandau Ballet. It honors his name.
The win boosts Man City’s season. They compete on multiple fronts. League, cups, and Europe.
Newcastle need to regroup. Injuries hurt them. They hope players return soon.
The second leg is set for early February. It will be at the Etihad. Man City have home advantage.
Until then, analysis continues. Experts debate tactics. Guardiola’s setup worked. He used rotation well.
Newcastle’s high press failed to yield goals. They need better finishing.
This match reminds fans why they love football. Drama, goals, and controversy.
Searches for newcastle vs man city newcastle – manchester city man city man city vs newcastle newcastle manchester city antoine semenyo semenyo newcastle united spiked after the game. People wanted highlights and reports.
Social media buzzed. Posts praised Semenyo. Others slammed VAR.
One tweet noted Semenyo’s perfect start. Goal and assist vs Exeter. Goal vs Newcastle.
Another highlighted player ratings. Newcastle had lows and highs.
The Carabao Cup continues. Arsenal vs Chelsea is next. That tie could go either way.
For now, Man City hold the advantage. Newcastle must fight back.
This result sets up an exciting second leg. Fans await more action.
In summary, Manchester City dominated. Antoine Semenyo led the way. Newcastle United face a challenge.
The game showcased top football. Short passes, quick counters, and solid defense.
Guardiola’s tactics prevailed. He outsmarted Howe.
Newcastle’s fans stayed loyal. They cheered till the end.
Man City’s away win is big. It shows their strength.
Antoine Semenyo is the new hero. His goals make headlines.
More updates will come. Follow for second leg news.
This match adds to the rivalry. Newcastle vs Man City always entertains.
Final thoughts: A deserved win for Man City. Newcastle need miracles.