14th January 2026
January 14 – Antoine Semenyo continued his strong start at Manchester City as Pep Guardiola’s side took a 2-0 advantage over Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg at St James’ Park.
City’s shiny new £62.5 million signing opened the scoring on Tuesday night, before Rayan Cherki added a late second to give City a commanding position ahead of the return leg at the Etihad Stadium next week. For Semenyo, it was another immediate impact moment following his debut goal in Saturday’s FA Cup win over Exeter.
The Ghana international’s involvement had already been a talking point before kick-off, highlighting a regulatory change regarding player registrations. Under revised EFL rules, players are now permitted to represent two clubs in its Cup competition during the same season. That amendment allowed Semenyo to feature despite having previously appeared for Bournemouth earlier in the tournament.
Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe admitted the change caught his attention only after City confirmed the transfer, with the forward eligible despite a substitute appearance for Bournemouth in their second-round defeat by Brentford back in August.
Howe said he was less than enthusiastic about the timing of the change from a Newcastle perspective, though he stopped well short of criticising the player. “That’s one rule change I probably wouldn’t be supportive of at this current moment,” he said, before adding that Semenyo had been outstanding this season and deserved his move.
On the pitch, City were composed and largely in control, with Cherki’s late strike tilting the tie firmly in their favour. Semenyo’s goal, however, ensured his name – and the rule that allowed it – will remain part of the conversation heading into the second leg.
He actually scored a second goal which was chalked off for ‘subjective’ offside – a decision which the player has since publicly disagreed with. The decision stemmed from Erling Haaland’s interference with play from an offside position, where he appeared to disrupt the Newcastle defence on the goal line ahead of Semenyo’s shot.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at [moc.l1768392587labto1768392587ofdlr1768392587owedi1768392587sni@g1768392587niwe.1768392587yrrah1768392587](javascript:;)