Manchester City took a big step toward the final of the English League Cup after defeating holders Newcastle 2–0 away from home on Tuesday in the first leg of the semi-final.

City’s goals were scored by new Ghanaian signing Antoine Semenyo (53) and substitute Rayan Cherki (90+8).

City are aiming to reach the final for the ninth time in their history. They have won the trophy eight times, four of them under their current manager, Spaniard Pep Guardiola, most recently in the 2020–2021 season.

The hosts enjoyed a relative advantage at the start of the match and nearly snatched an early goal. From a precise cross on the right by young midfielder Lewis Miley (19), the unmarked Congolese striker Yoane Wissa sent the ball over the bar from close range (5).

At the beginning of the second half, Newcastle maintained their dominance and continued their search for a goal. From a fine cross on the left by winger Anthony Gordon, Wissa headed the ball from close range, but City goalkeeper James Trafford brilliantly saved it under the crossbar before it crossed the goal line (50).

City were then rescued by the left post, which denied a powerful long-range strike from Brazilian Bruno Guimarães (51).

After weathering the hosts’ pressure, Guardiola’s side tried to regain the initiative and succeeded with their first real attacking move. Belgian Jérémy Doku delivered a cross from the left that was redirected by Bernardo Silva, allowing Semenyo to calmly tap the ball into the open net from inside the six-yard box (53).

This was the Ghanaian striker’s second consecutive goal for his new club, having scored on his debut in the FA Cup during a 10–1 win over third-tier side Exeter City on Saturday.

Semenyo thought he had added a second goal from close range after a corner taken by substitute Dutchman Tijjani Reijnders, but referee Chris Kavanagh disallowed it following a VAR review for offside on Erling Haaland, who was deemed to be interfering with play (68).

After a well-worked move, substitute Algerian Rayan Aït-Nouri, returning from international duty with his country at the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, broke into Newcastle’s penalty area from the left and delivered a cross that Cherki converted easily from close range to seal the result (90+9).

The second leg will be played at the Etihad Stadium on February 4.

In the other semi-final, current league leaders Arsenal visit their neighbours Chelsea on Wednesday.