Manchester City took a significant step toward the Carabao Cup final after securing a 2-0 victory against Newcastle United in the first leg of the 2025/2026 semifinals. The Citizens traveled to St. James’ Park on Wednesday (14/1/2026) early morning WIB and returned home with a crucial win, giving them a commanding advantage heading into the second leg at the Etihad Stadium next month.
The match remained tightly contested in the first half, with Newcastle showing resilience and applying pressure on the visitors. However, City broke the deadlock in the second half, demonstrating clinical finishing and mental composure under pressure. Antoine Semenyo opened the scoring, showcasing his attacking instincts, before Rayan Cherki confirmed the win with a late strike, ensuring that Guardiola’s men left Tyneside with a valuable result.
Guardiola: First Step Toward the Final
Pep Guardiola emphasized that the victory at St. James’ Park represents an important first step in Manchester City’s mission to reach the Carabao Cup final.
“It’s very good. We came into this match, and this is the first step toward the final,” Guardiola said.
The Spanish manager also highlighted the adjustments made at halftime, particularly involving the attacking duo of Erling Haaland and Antoine Semenyo. According to Guardiola, the pair initially struggled to find their rhythm in the first half but showed improved connection and readiness after the break.
“They weren’t fully connected. They weren’t ready to receive the ball. In the second half, they were ready,” he explained.
Semenyo’s Key Contribution and VAR Drama
Antoine Semenyo continued to make headlines with his opening goal, despite a second effort being disallowed after a lengthy VAR review. Guardiola remained full of praise for the Ghanaian forward, underscoring his intelligence and movement on the pitch.
“We know what Bournemouth achieved with him. Every time the ball came to him, he was there,” Guardiola said.
Regarding the disallowed second goal, Guardiola framed it as a test of his team’s mentality and resilience.
“Four officials and VAR couldn’t make the decision, so they had to go back to the referee. We know how this works, and it will make us stronger. This is a semifinal. We are playing for something big—reaching the final. Situations like this only make us stronger,” he added.
The incident highlighted City’s ability to stay focused despite external pressures, a quality Guardiola has emphasized as essential for knockout competitions.
Semenyo Reflects on Impact and Adaptation
From Semenyo’s perspective, the match was a demonstration of patience and seizing the right opportunities.
“It was a tough match, but if we hold our ground, we know the chances will come. I was in the right position to finish, and we won, so I’m happy,” Semenyo said.
The 26-year-old also shared his satisfaction with how quickly he has adapted to life at Manchester City.
“The environment here is perfect. Everyone is confident and wants to achieve their best. I came into that situation, and they helped boost my confidence and made me feel welcomed,” he explained.
Semenyo emphasized that the confidence he brought from Bournemouth has been a major factor in his seamless integration into Guardiola’s squad.
“I just brought the confidence from Bournemouth with me and played with a smile. I’m enjoying every moment,” he said.
Regarding his disallowed goal, Semenyo remained composed and professional.
“The second goal should have counted. The referee came and spoke to me to explain what happened. That’s how it is,” he concluded.
Cherki Seals the Victory
Rayan Cherki’s goal in stoppage time capped a solid team performance, underscoring Manchester City’s ability to remain focused until the final whistle. The late strike not only secured the 2-0 scoreline but also relieved any lingering tension following Semenyo’s VAR controversy. City demonstrated both patience and tactical maturity, controlling the tempo and minimizing Newcastle’s chances throughout the match.
Tactical Insights
Guardiola’s adjustments at halftime proved decisive. By improving the connection between Haaland and Semenyo, City maximized their attacking threat, creating clear-cut chances and capitalizing on defensive lapses from Newcastle. The team’s composure under pressure, especially when dealing with the uncertainty of VAR decisions, reflects the mental resilience Guardiola demands from his squad.
Additionally, the disciplined defensive performance ensured that Newcastle, despite their home advantage, could not threaten City’s lead. This combination of tactical intelligence and mental strength has become a hallmark of Guardiola’s approach in knockout competitions.
Looking Ahead to the Second Leg
With a 2-0 advantage, Manchester City are in an ideal position to secure their place in the Carabao Cup final. The second leg at the Etihad Stadium, scheduled for February, provides an opportunity to consolidate their advantage. A draw in the return match would be enough to see Guardiola’s team through to the final, highlighting the strategic importance of their performance at St. James’ Park.
The first-leg victory also offers a psychological boost, demonstrating City’s capacity to handle pressure, adapt to changing circumstances, and capitalize on key moments. Both Guardiola and Semenyo have emphasized the importance of focus, patience, and confidence as they aim to close out the tie and continue their pursuit of silverware.
In conclusion, Manchester City’s 2-0 triumph over Newcastle United not only provides a valuable lead in the Carabao Cup semifinals but also highlights the attacking flair of Antoine Semenyo, the tactical acumen of Pep Guardiola, and the team’s mental resilience under pressure. With one leg remaining, City are well-placed to book their spot in the final and continue their pursuit of glory.
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