Manchester City new boy Antoine Semenyo is wasting no time proving his worth at the Etihad Stadium. The Ghanaian international scored his second goal in as many appearances as City claimed a crucial 2-0 victory over holders Newcastle United in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final at St James Park on January 13, 2026.

Semenyo, who completed a 64 million pound move from Bournemouth just four days prior, opened the scoring eight minutes after half-time with a clinical finish that sent the traveling City supporters into raptures. The 26-year-old forward has made an immediate impact since his arrival, having also netted in his debut during the FA Cup win over Exeter City.

The match was not without controversy, however. Shortly after Semenyo's opener, City thought they had doubled their advantage when a clever corner routine found the net. Referee Chris Kavanagh was sent to the pitch-side monitor for a VAR review lasting nearly six minutes, ultimately ruling the goal out for what was deemed a subjective offside involving Erling Haaland. The Norwegian striker was adjudged to have interfered with Newcastle defender Malick Thiaw, despite being only marginally ahead of the last man.

Newcastle, the defending Carabao Cup champions, struggled to break down a resolute City defense throughout the encounter. The Magpies had lifted the trophy last season but now face a significant mountain to climb heading into the second leg at the Etihad Stadium on February 4.

Substitute Rayan Cherki added gloss to the scoreline with a brilliant strike deep into stoppage time in the 98th minute, leaving Newcastle needing at least three goals without reply in Manchester to have any hope of defending their crown.

Semenyo's remarkable start to life at City has already seen him enter the history books. He became the first player to score in both of his first two appearances for Manchester City in all competitions since Emmanuel Adebayor achieved the feat back in August 2009.

Pep Guardiola was full of praise for his new recruit following the match. The City manager had revealed before the game that multiple clubs were interested in securing Semenyo's signature during the January transfer window. Liverpool, Manchester United, Tottenham, Chelsea, and Arsenal were all reportedly monitoring the winger before City moved decisively to trigger his release clause.

The transfer takes City's spending over the past 12 months to a staggering 425.9 million pounds on 14 players. Semenyo signed a five-and-a-half-year contract that will keep him at the Etihad until 2031.

For Newcastle, the result represents a significant setback in their bid to retain the Carabao Cup. Manager Eddie Howe will need to devise a plan to overturn the two-goal deficit when the teams reconvene next month, knowing that City's formidable home record makes the task even more daunting.

The second semi-final saw Chelsea host Arsenal in another blockbuster encounter, setting up what promises to be an exciting conclusion to this season's League Cup competition.