Manchester City took a significant step toward the Carabao Cup final on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, with a 2-0 victory over Newcastle United in the first leg of their semi-final clash. Semenyo, who joined Pep Guardiola’s side from Bournemouth just last week for £65 million, opened the scoring for the visitors. Despite a strong start from the Magpies, City’s clinical finish proved the difference, with Rayan Cherki adding a second goal in the 98th minute to dampen Newcastle’s hopes of a heroic fightback.
The encounter was not without its share of controversy, as a lengthy VAR consultation—lasting nearly six minutes—denied Semenyo a second goal for what was deemed a “subjective offside.” The decision left Guardiola and City’s captain Bernardo Silva visibly frustrated, with Silva noting that the scoreline “should have been 3-0.” Newcastle boss Eddie Howe also expressed dissatisfaction with the new rule change that allowed Semenyo to play for City despite previously featuring for Bournemouth in the same competition. Newcastle, the defending champions, now face a daunting task when the two teams meet for the second leg at the Etihad Stadium on February 4.
For Semenyo, the week has been nothing short of a fairy tale. After signing for City on Friday, he scored and assisted in a 10-1 FA Cup demolition of Exeter City on Saturday before finding the net again on Tuesday against top-flight opposition. “Everyone is confident and wanting to achieve the best,” Semenyo said following the match, expressing his joy at how quickly he has integrated into the squad. The victory puts Manchester City in a prime position to reach their first League Cup final since 2021, while Newcastle must now focus on a historic comeback to defend their title at Wembley.
