Newcastle, 14 January (H.S.): Manchester City secured a commanding 2-0 victory over defending champions Newcastle United in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final on Tuesday, propelled by Antoine Semenyo’s clinical finish and Ryan Cherki’s stoppage-time stunner at St. James’ Park.

Semenyo, City’s £65 million January signing from Bournemouth, extended his scintillating form into a second consecutive match by converting Jeremy Doku’s precise 53rd-minute cross from close range, marking his third goal in two appearances.

A subsequent exquisite finish faced protracted VAR scrutiny before dismissal for a subjective offside, yet City dominated proceedings to tilt the tie decisively ahead of the February 4 return leg.

Cherki stunned the home crowd in stoppage time with a low driven shot, capitalizing on City’s relentless pressure and leaving Newcastle shell-shocked. The visitors’ goalkeeper James Trafford proved pivotal early in the second half, clawing Yoanne Wissa’s effort onto the crossbar before Bruno Guimaraes’ follow-up low drive cannoned off the post, denying the hosts a foothold.

Newcastle, who clinched their first domestic trophy since 1955 by defeating Liverpool at Wembley last March, now face an uphill battle to reach consecutive finals.

Semenyo, emulating Emmanuel Adebayor’s feat from 2009 as the first City player to score in his initial two matches across competitions, reflected post-match: “The atmosphere here is fantastic. Everyone is brimming with confidence and eager to achieve greatness. I’m learning quickly and enjoying every moment with a smile.”

Magpies boss Eddie Howe expressed frustration over rule changes enabling Semenyo’s eligibility, lamenting Wissa’s missed chance as potentially match-defining. Pep Guardiola dismissed VAR controversy pragmatically: “We understand how the system operates. It will only make us stronger.” Arsenal host Chelsea in Wednesday’s other semi-final first leg.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar