Newcastle vs Manchester City – Match Summary
Manchester City took a giant step towards Wembley with a professional 2–0 victory over Newcastle United at St. James’ Park in the first leg of their EFL Cup Semi-Final. In a cagey affair marred by eight yellow cards, City’s quality in the final third proved the difference. Antoine Semenyo broke the deadlock early in the second half, and substitute Rayan Cherki added a crucial second goal deep in stoppage time to silence the Geordie crowd. Newcastle will feel aggrieved after Bruno Guimarães hit the post at 0–0, but they now face a mountain to climb in the return leg at the Etihad.
Newcastle vs Manchester City – Final Score
- Newcastle United 0–2 Manchester City
(HT: 0–0)
Goals:
- 53’ — Antoine Semenyo (MCI)
- 90+8’ — Rayan Cherki (MCI)
Newcastle vs Manchester City – Timeline & Events
- 31’ — 🟨 Cards: Tempers flare early as both Joelinton (NEW) and Nico O’Reilly (MCI) are booked for unsportsmanlike conduct.
- 45+2’ — 🚑 Injury: Blow for Newcastle as Jacob Murphy is forced off with an injury; he is replaced by Harvey Barnes.
- 51’ — 🪵 WOODWORK: So close! Bruno Guimarães unleashes a shot from outside the box that beats James Trafford but smashes against the left post.
- 53’ — ⚽ GOAL! City punish the miss immediately. Bernardo Silva feeds Antoine Semenyo, who finds space in the box and finishes low into the middle of the net. (0–1)
- 63’ — ❌ VAR Decision: Semenyo puts the ball in the net again, but VAR rules it out for offside.
- 90’ — 🟨 Card: Frustration boils over for Kieran Trippier, who is booked for a harsh tackle.
- 90+8’ — ⚽ GOAL! The dagger. Substitute Rayan Aït-Nouri picks out fellow sub Rayan Cherki, who fires past Nick Pope to double the lead with virtually the last kick of the game. (0–2)
First Half Analysis
The first 45 minutes were defined by physical battles rather than fluid football. Newcastle tried to disrupt City’s rhythm with aggressive pressing, resulting in three yellow cards before the break. City dominated possession (reaching 58% by full time) but struggled to create clear-cut openings against a disciplined Newcastle block. The biggest talking point was the injury to Jacob Murphy in stoppage time, which forced Eddie Howe to reshuffle his pack early.
Second Half Analysis
The game exploded into life after the restart. Newcastle nearly took the lead through Bruno Guimarães’ strike against the post, but City showed their champion mentality by scoring just two minutes later through Semenyo. As Newcastle pushed for an equalizer, gaps appeared at the back. Pep Guardiola’s substitutions were masterstrokes; Aït-Nouri and Cherki combined in the 98th minute to score a second goal that likely kills the tie before the second leg.
xG Reality Check: Newcastle 0.64 | Man City 2.02
- Analysis: The scoreline is a fair reflection of the chance quality. City generated 2.02 xG, including two “Big Chances,” while Newcastle struggled to penetrate City’s defense, generating only 0.64 xG.
Key Match Factors
- The Woodwork: The match turned in the 51st minute. If Bruno’s shot goes in instead of hitting the post, it’s a different game. City scored 2 minutes later.
- Squad Depth: Guardiola brought on Rodri, Foden, and Cherki off the bench. Cherki’s impact (Goal, 8.2 rating) was decisive against a tiring Newcastle defense.
- Discipline: It was a feisty encounter with 8 yellow cards (4 for each team), breaking up the flow of the game which suited City’s control in the second half.
- Trafford’s Composure: Young City keeper James Trafford made 3 saves and kept a clean sheet in a hostile environment.
Player of the Match
🏆 Rayan Cherki (Manchester City)
Though he only played 13 minutes, his impact was undeniable. He provided the moment of magic to score the second goal, effectively putting one foot in the final for City. (Rating: 8.2)
Newcastle vs Manchester City – Player Ratings
| Newcastle Utd | Rating | Man City | Rating |
| Pope | 7.0 | Trafford | 7.5 |
| Livramento | 6.0 | Nunes | 6.5 |
| Thiaw | 6.5 | Khusanov | 7.0 |
| Botman | 6.5 | Alleyne | 7.0 |
| Hall | 6.5 | Ake | 7.0 |
| Ramsey | 6.0 | O’Reilly | 6.5 |
| Bruno Guimarães | 7.0 | Semenyo | 8.0 |
| Joelinton | 6.0 | Silva | 7.5 |
| Murphy | 6.0 | Foden | 6.5 |
| Wissa | 5.3 | Doku | 6.5 |
| Gordon | 6.0 | Haaland | 6.5 |
| Barnes (Sub) | 6.4 | Cherki (Sub) | 8.2 |
Newcastle vs Manchester City – Match Stats
| Stat | Newcastle Utd | Man City |
| Expected Goals (xG) | 0.64 | 2.02 |
| Possession | 42% | 58% |
| Total Shots | 10 | 11 |
| Shots on Target | 3 | 4 |
| Big Chances | 0 | 2 |
| Corners | 5 | 6 |
| Passes (Accuracy) | 281 (82%) | 402 (86%) |
| Fouls | 10 | 12 |
| Yellow Cards | 4 | 4 |
| Goalkeeper Saves | 2 | 3 |
Top 5 Performers
- Rayan Cherki (MCI): Came off the bench to score the killer goal.
- Antoine Semenyo (MCI): dangerous all night, scored the opener, and had another disallowed.
- Bernardo Silva (MCI): The creative hub, provided the assist for the first goal.
- James Trafford (MCI): Solid under pressure, made 3 saves.
- Bruno Guimarães (NEW): Newcastle’s best player, hit the post and drove the team forward.
Underperformers / Weak Links
- Yoane Wissa (NEW): Completely isolated upfront. Had 0 shots on target and the lowest rating (5.3) before being subbed.
- Matheus Nunes (MCI): Struggled with the physicality, got booked, and was subbed early in the second half.
Substitutions Impact
- Rayan Cherki (MCI): Replaced Doku (77′) – Rating: 8.2. Scored the vital second goal.
- Rayan Aït-Nouri (MCI): Replaced Ake (88′) – provided the assist for Cherki instantly.
- Harvey Barnes (NEW): Replaced Murphy (45′) – Rating: 6.4. Tried to create but lacked end product.
Tactical Breakdown
- Newcastle:
- Physical Disruptors: Targeted City’s young midfielders (O’Reilly, Nunes) with aggressive fouls.
- Direct Counters: Looked to release Gordon and Murphy quickly, but the final ball was lacking (only 1 accurate through pass).
- Manchester City:
- Control & Patience: Held 58% possession, waiting for Newcastle to tire.
- Impact Subs: Guardiola saved his technical match-winners (Cherki, Foden) for when the game opened up in the final 30 minutes.
What This Result Means
- Newcastle United: Face a near-impossible task. They must win by 3 goals (or 2 to force penalties) at the Etihad to reach the final.
- Manchester City: Have one foot in the final. They can manage the second leg comfortably at home.
Newcastle vs Manchester City – FAQs
Q: Who won the Newcastle vs Man City match?
A: Manchester City won 2–0.
Q: Who scored the goals?
A: Antoine Semenyo (53′) and Rayan Cherki (90+8′).
Q: Is there a second leg?
A: Yes, this was the 1st Leg. The return leg will be played at the Etihad Stadium.
Q: Who was the Man of the Match?
A: Rayan Cherki (Man City) for his decisive late cameo.
Call to Action — SportsphereArena Community
Is the tie over, or can Newcastle pull off a miracle comeback at the Etihad?
Let us know in the comments below!
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