Pep Guardiola is basically playing a different game than everyone else. If you watched the last match Man City played—a tense, tactical first-leg Carabao Cup semi-final at St. James' Park—you saw it. It wasn't just a 2-0 win. It was a statement. Newcastle United, backed by a deafening Tyneside crowd, threw everything they had at the visitors. But City just... absorbed it. Then they struck.
Honestly, the first half was a bit of a slog. Newcastle had a massive chance through Yoane Wissa just five minutes in, but he blazed it over. You've got to wonder how the night changes if that goes in. City looked a bit leggy, which makes sense because they’ve been grinding through a January schedule that would break most teams.
The Semenyo Factor Changes Everything
Antoine Semenyo is the name everyone’s talking about right now. After his £65 million move from Bournemouth this month, people questioned if he could handle the step up. He’s already answered that. He scored in the 10-1 demolition of Exeter last weekend, and on Tuesday night, he broke the deadlock at St. James' Park in the 53rd minute.
It wasn't a worldie. It was a "poacher's goal," the kind Pep loves. Jeremy Doku and Bernardo Silva did the heavy lifting on the wing, and Semenyo was just there, waiting at the back post. Tap in. 1-0.
There was a moment of pure chaos shortly after. Semenyo thought he’d bagged a second, but VAR stepped in. It took forever—nearly six minutes of checking. They eventually ruled it out because Erling Haaland was deemed to be interfering from an offside position. Pep was visibly annoyed on the touchline. You could tell he felt the game should’ve been put to bed right then and there.
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Why the Result Matters for the Return Leg
Newcastle didn't roll over. They hit the woodwork twice. Bruno Guimarães and Lewis Miley were trying to dictate things, but James Trafford—City's young keeper who is having a hell of a season—was a wall. He made one save from a Anthony Gordon-led break that felt like a match-winning moment on its own.
Then came the sucker punch.
Deep into nine minutes of stoppage time, Rayan Cherki killed the tie. Assisted by Rayan Aït-Nouri, Cherki’s left-footed strike was clinical. It gave City that 2-0 cushion heading back to the Etihad. Newcastle boss Eddie Howe called it a "body blow," and it's hard to disagree. Chasing one goal in Manchester is hard. Chasing two is a nightmare.
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Key Stats from St. James' Park
- Final Score: Newcastle 0-2 Man City
- Goal Scorers: Semenyo (53’), Cherki (90+8’)
- Yellow Cards: Eight in total (Newcastle: 4, City: 4)
- VAR Decisions: One major disallowed goal for City
City’s squad depth is sort of ridiculous. They rested Rodri and started academy products like Nico O’Reilly, yet they still controlled 60% of the ball in one of the most hostile stadiums in England.
What This Means for the Trophy Hunt
This last match Man City result puts them in the driver's seat for yet another final. While Arsenal is currently leading the Premier League table by six points, Guardiola’s focus on the domestic cups remains relentless. He mentioned after the game that Haaland is "exhausted," which might be the only sliver of hope for their rivals.
If City can navigate the second leg on home soil, they’ll likely face either Arsenal or Chelsea in the final. Given their current form—and the fact that new signings like Semenyo are clicking instantly—it’s getting harder to bet against them.
Actionable Insights for Fans
- Watch the Youth: Keep an eye on Nico O'Reilly and Rico Lewis in the second leg; Pep is clearly trusting them in high-stakes moments.
- Semenyo’s Role: He isn't just a backup for Haaland. He's playing with a physical edge that adds a new dimension to City's attack.
- The Second Leg: Mark your calendars for the return fixture at the Etihad. Newcastle has to score early to have any chance of a comeback.
The efficiency City showed at Newcastle is why they win titles. They don't always have to be pretty; they just have to be inevitable.
Next Steps: Review the upcoming Premier League fixtures to see how Pep manages his squad rotation before the return leg at the Etihad. Monitor the fitness reports for Erling Haaland, as his "exhaustion" could lead to more starts for Semenyo in the coming weeks.