Newcastle United 0-2 Manchester City: Lewis Hall put in a man-of-the-match display for Newcastle despite the side falling to a Carabao Cup semi-final defeat.
Lewis Hall was hailed as the shining light for Newcastle United in an otherwise tough evening of Carabao Cup semi-final action against Manchester City at St James’ Park.
City won the first leg 2-0 with second-half goals from Antoine Semenyo and Rayan Cherki to give them a clear advantage heading into next month’s second leg at the Etihad Stadium.
In order to keep their Carabao Cup retention alive, The Magpies will have to do something they have never done at Manchester City under Eddie Howe. That’s not only win by two clear goals, or win at all, but score a goal.
Newcastle have been on the receiving end of 5-0, 2-0, 1-0, 2-0 and 4-0 defeats at the Etihad Stadium since Howe took charge. But it’s not just a problem with the current Magpies boss, the reality is they’ve won just one of their 23 visits to the Etihad Stadium over the past two decades.
Of all the pessimism surrounding Newcastle’s Carabao Cup hopes and their chances of reaching a third final in four years, there was real positivity surrounding Hall’s performance at left-back.
The 21-year-old carried the ball forward expertly with incredible close control, composure and confidence to help Newcastle play forward and cause Manchester City problems.
It was ultimately a close-fought game where Manchester City finished their chances and Newcastle didn’t. But there was a feeling at full-time that things could have been different had Yoane Wissa put his early chance away or not been denied by a brilliant save by James Trafford early in the second half with the score at 0-0.
Bruno Guimaraes also hit the post moments later before Semenyo gave City the lead.
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Sky Sports capture savage Lewis Hall snub with Pep Guardiola - NUFC fans will love it
During the match, as Hall was retrieving the ball ready to take a throw-in, Manchester City head coach Pep Guardiola stuck his hand out for Hall.
But the Spaniard was ultimately put in his place and left hanging by the 21-year-old Newcastle defender, who moved his hand away.
Guardiola often interacts and talks with opposition players during games, having previously been seen talking to Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes during matches between Newcastle and City. Even on Tuesday, he spoke to Sandro Tonali following the full-time whistle.
So Hall’s cheeky snub of what was ultimately a friendly gesture from the City boss is sure to go down well with Newcastle supporters.
Eddie Howe verdict on Lewis Hall
On Hall’s performance against Man City, Howe said: “He's such an important player. He brings a real attacking drive from the left-back position. A real technically excellent player.
“I think he's improving all the time so we're pleased he's back with us. We need to try and keep him fit if we can. He's got a big responsibility to try and play as many games as he can and help the team, which I know he will do.
“He's got a huge future ahead of him.”
Newcastle will be hoping to have Hall fit and available to feature in Sunday’s return to Premier League action at Wolverhampton Wanderers.
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