Manchester City Seize Control of EFL Cup Semi-Final with Win at Newcastle

Late Cherki strike caps dominant display as holders end Magpies’ long unbeaten home run

Manchester City moved a significant step closer to another EFL Cup final after claiming a commanding 2–0 victory over Newcastle United in the first leg of their semi-final tie, ending the hosts’ 13-match unbeaten run at St James’ Park.

Newcastle, who have built an impressive reputation in the competition under Eddie Howe, began brightly and threatened to unsettle the reigning champions early on. Inside the opening minutes, a slick passing move released Jacob Murphy down the flank, but Yoane Wissa squandered a clear opportunity by firing over the crossbar when well placed.

That early spark, however, proved misleading. A scrappy first half followed, dominated more by fouls and bookings than clear chances, as both sides struggled to establish attacking rhythm.

The contest burst into life after the break, with Newcastle again starting on the front foot. Wissa came agonisingly close to opening the scoring when his looping header had to be cleared off the line by James Trafford, before Bruno Guimarães rattled the post with a fierce effort moments later.

City weathered the storm and delivered a familiar lesson in efficiency. Their first effort on target produced the breakthrough, as Jeremy Doku surged down the left and found Bernardo Silva, whose deft touch set up Antoine Semenyo to finish at the far post. It was the January signing’s second goal in as many matches, underlining his immediate impact.

Semenyo thought he had struck again soon after, flicking home from a corner, but celebrations were cut short following a lengthy VAR review. The goal was ruled out, with Erling Haaland deemed to be offside in the build-up.

A series of substitutions slowed the tempo as the match wore on, a development that suited City as they calmly protected their lead. In stoppage time, they delivered a decisive blow when Rayan Cherki swept home a second goal to give Pep Guardiola’s side a commanding advantage ahead of the return leg.

Newcastle struggled to respond after falling behind, with Sandro Tonali’s late effort drifting wide representing their best chance of a reply. Howe’s side now face an uphill task when the tie resumes at the Etihad Stadium in February, while City will travel home firmly in control and within touching distance of another Wembley appearance.