Manchester City secured a commanding 2-0 triumph over Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg at St James’ Park on Tuesday evening.
Antoine Semenyo, the club’s £62.5m winter acquisition, found the net for the second match running since arriving from Bournemouth.
The winger becomes the first City player to score in his opening two appearances since Emmanuel Adebayor achieved the feat back in 2009.
Rayan Cherki sealed the victory deep into added time, converting in the 99th minute to give Pep Guardiola’s side a significant advantage ahead of the return fixture at the Etihad next month.
Antoine Semenyo has been in fine form since his mega-money from Bournemouth
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The opening goal showcased Guardiola’s preference for deploying traditional wide players.
Jeremy Doku burst past Lewis Miley before delivering a cross into the danger area, with Bernardo Silva redirecting the ball towards Semenyo for a simple finish.
City supporters have already embraced their new signing, chanting a song dedicated to the forward during the match.
Semenyo believed he had doubled his tally when he improvised a backheel finish from Tijjani Reijnders’ corner.
However, following a lengthy VAR review, the effort was chalked off due to Erling Haaland being positioned in an offside position.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, Semenyo expressed his satisfaction with the result.
Rayan Cherki doubled the scores in the 98th minute
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“Tough game today but if we stuck in there we knew we would get chances. I was in the right area to tap it in and we were victorious so I am happy,” he said.
The former Bournemouth man praised his new surroundings, stating: “The whole environment here is perfect. Everyone is confident and wanting achieve the best.”
Regarding the disallowed strike, Semenyo revealed his disappointment: “The second goal should have counted. The referee came and spoke to me and told me what was going on. It is what it is.”
Pep Guardiola’s men are in charge after a 2-0 win at St. James’ Park
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Newcastle will feel aggrieved not to have taken something from the encounter after striking the frame of the goal twice in quick succession.
Anthony Gordon’s cross found Yoane Wissa, whose looping header was pushed onto the crossbar by goalkeeper James Trafford. Moments later, Bruno Guimaraes struck the post with a powerful effort from distance.
Eddie Howe’s side now face a daunting task when they travel to Manchester for the second leg.
The Magpies have previously won two Carabao Cup semi-finals under their manager, though both occasions saw them host the return fixture on Tyneside.
Arsenal or Chelsea await the winners at Wembley in March.
