Manchester City have one foot in the Carabao Cup final after a gritty 2-0 win at St James’ Park, but the tie was overshadowed by a marathon VAR call that chalked off what would have been a second for the visitors. Substitute Rayan Cherki’s last gasp strike sealed a significant advantage for Pep Guardiola’s side heading into next month’s second leg.
Antoine Semenyo, looking a real find since his January move, broke the deadlock with a sharp finish, teed up by Jeremy Doku and Bernardo Silva. The real controversy came moments later, however, when Semenyo thought he’d doubled the lead from a corner, only for a tortuous six minute VAR review to rule it out for a “subjective offside” and impeding by Erling Haaland. The City striker was marginally off and tangled with Magpies defender Malick Thiaw Chris Kavanagh eventually agreed with the monitor and disallowed it.
The decision left a sour taste and dominated the post match chatter. “We can all agree VAR is bad for everyone. It’s not enhanced our game,” fumed Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp. “It bored us silly.” Pep Guardiola was equally unimpressed, airing his grievance about the time taken. “Nine minutes extra means it takes time for the VAR to take a decision, and it should be the referee to do it,” the City boss said. “Take a look at the game here in the league, it’s two unbelievable penalties and no intervention.”
Newcastle, holders of the trophy, will rue missing their big chances. Yoane Wissa was denied by James Trafford and blazed over a sitter, while Bruno Guimarães rattled the woodwork. Their profligacy was punished brutally in stoppage time. Two City subs combined, with Rayan Ait Nouri setting up Cherki to sweep home and leave the Toon with a mountain to climb.
For Semenyo, it’s been a dream start. “The whole environment here is perfect,” said the forward, who has now scored in both his appearances. “I am picking things up very quickly.” Cherki also earned rave reviews, with Redknapp calling him “the signing of the season.” In contrast, a weary Eddie Howe admitted his side were “punished for a bit of naivety” chasing a late equaliser.
The broader picture sees City in firm control. No side has stopped Newcastle scoring at home this season except Guardiola’s, and the Magpies’ wretched record at the Etihad, no win there since Alan Pardew’s day in 2014, makes this a formidable lead to overturn. For Howe’s men, it’s a body blow. For City, it’s another ruthless step towards Wembley, VAR controversy and all.