Antoine Semenyo grabs second goal as Man City take first-leg lead in Carabao Cup semi-final

Guardiola continued to show faith in Semenyo by naming him in the starting XI once again. City also rotated heavily in defence, with youngster Max Alleyne partnering Abdukodir Khusanov, while Nathan Aké and Matheus Nunes operated on the flanks.

Newcastle threatened early and almost stunned City inside the opening minutes when Yoane Wissa broke forward on the counter-attack and fired a shot just over the crossbar. City gradually took control but struggled to break down Nick Pope, and the first half ended goalless.

The hosts began the second half on the front foot, with efforts from Bruno Guimarães and Wissa both denied by goalkeeper James Trafford. City finally made the breakthrough in the 53rd minute, when Jérémy Doku delivered a cross and Semenyo arrived in the right place to convert, scoring his second goal for the club.

Fourteen minutes later, Semenyo thought he had doubled his tally from a corner, but the goal was ruled out following a VAR review. City were not to be denied, however, and sealed the win in stoppage time as Rayan Cherki finished off a move started by a fine ball from Rayan Aït-Nouri.

The 2-0 victory at St James’ Park gives City a strong advantage heading into the second leg at the Etihad Stadium.

After the match, Guardiola expressed his frustration over Semenyo’s disallowed goal. “Four officials and VAR were not able to take the decision, they had to go to the referee. We know how it works and that will make us stronger. It’s the semi-finals. We play for a lot to reach the final. It will make us stronger.”

Semenyo, meanwhile, focused on his performance despite disappointment over the overturned goal. “I’m just taking the confidence I had from Bournemouth here and playing with a smile on my face. I am enjoying every moment,” he said. “The second goal should have counted. The referee came and spoke to me and told me what was going on. It is what it is.”

Manchester City will host the second leg at the Etihad at 3am on 5 February (GMT+7). The winner on aggregate will face either Chelsea or Arsenal in the Carabao Cup final.