New Manchester City signing Antoine Semenyo scored his second goal in as many games as Pep Guardiola’s side moved closer to the Carabao Cup final with a 2–0 win over Newcastle United on Tuesday.
The forward, who joined City from Bournemouth last week for $87 million, opened the scoring in the first leg of the semi-final at St James’ Park by turning in Bernardo Silva’s flick from close range. Substitute Rayan Cherki added a second in added time to seal the victory and give the Blues a commanding advantage heading into the return leg at the Etihad Stadium on 4 February.
It had looked a difficult assignment for City. Earlier this season, they lost 2–1 to Newcastle at the same venue, while the hosts had scored in every home game this season and produced several spirited fightbacks in recent weeks.
The first half of Tuesday’s match was cagey and ill-tempered, with few clear chances for either side. City goalkeeper James Trafford was called into action shortly after the break with a superb save to deny Newcastle. Minutes later, however, City went ahead through Semenyo. The striker appeared to double the lead 10 minutes afterward, but VAR ruled the effort out.
Cherki’s late strike in added time confirmed the 2–0 scoreline, giving City a healthy advantage to take into the second leg. Semenyo’s early impact at Manchester City continues to impress, scoring in back-to-back games and helping the team inch closer to a place in the final.
