Manchester City prevailed somewhat flatteringly 2-0 (0-0) in the first leg of the League Cup semi-final against defending champions Newcastle United. Another strong winter signing, Antoine Semenyo, set the course for success, and shortly before the end, substitute Rayan Cherki made the final score.
With the first real chance, Semenyo gave the guests the lead in the 53rd minute of the game. The Ghanaian, who only signed from Bournemouth at the beginning of January, also scored in his second competitive game since his move.
The “Magpies”, who were somewhat hapless overall, ran again in the final phase, but were unable to equalize – worse, Joker Cherki scored deep in stoppage time to make it 2-0 from City’s perspective. Newcastle, for whom Nick Woltemade came on as a substitute in the closing stages, must make up two goals in the second leg in Manchester on February 4th to reach the final. Chelsea and Arsenal FC will contest the second semi-final.
Wissa awards Newcastle’s first high-profile player
Last year, Newcastle celebrated their celebrated first title win in over 60 years in the League Cup – and the hosts also seemed willing to hit the Citizens early in this semi-final first leg. It took less than five minutes before Yoane Wissa received an exemplary cross, but lost his nerve in front of the goal and put the ball over the goal.
Good chances missed: Newcastle’s Yoane Wissa
Wissa, brought from Brentford at the start of the season for almost 60 million euros, was allowed to start for Woltemade, who was initially on pause. From then on, the Congolese lost his connection to the game. In Guardiola style, City secured most of the ball possession and let the ball circle around the opponent’s sixteen-yard box.
But that didn’t give the Citizens any chances. The defense around German central defender Malick Thiaw, who played a solid game, defended everything with great concentration. And Newcastle repeatedly had good counterattack opportunities thanks to the quick Anthony Gordon and Jacob Murphy, but there were no further big chances like at the beginning of the game. After an uneventful 45 minutes, the game went goalless.
Newcastle’s good start is not rewarded
Once again Newcastle got off to a better start, again Wissa was involved: Gordon’s cross was headed by Wissa towards the far post, goalkeeper James Trafford made a brilliant save. Shortly afterwards, Trafford were lucky when Bruno Guimaraes’ sharp right-footed shot hit the post.
Semenyo proved that City has to be taken seriously at all times, even if they are having a seemingly weaker day. Jeremy Doku started to sprint on the left and fired flat into the six-yard box. Wingman Semenyo pushed the ball over the line to make it a flattering 1-0 from the visitors’ perspective.
Woltemade’s accents do not lead to compensation
Ten minutes later, Semenyo was able to celebrate again after he kneed a corner kick over the line. However, after a minute-long VAR check, the goal was disallowed because Erling Haaland was just offside and prevented Thiaw from trying to defend.
Newcastle’s Malick Thiaw in a duel with Manchester City’s Erling Haaland
So the game remained open until the end. Newcastle coach Eddie Howe brought in Woltemade, among others, to turn the game around. The German national striker actually provided one or two impulses. However, the hosts were no longer able to create any clear shooting chances. Instead, Cherki took advantage of a counterattack from the guests to make it 2-0 and improve the starting position for Guardiola’s team before the second leg.