A late goal from Rayan Cherki gave Manchester City a 2-0 win to put Pep Guardiola’s side in the driving seat of their Carabao Cup semi-final against Newcastle United.
The hosts had the better of the match early on as City barely threatened, with Yoane Wissa missing a glorious chance in the first five minutes in a first half in which City failed to have a shot on target.
Both sides went in level at the break but the game exploded into life in the second half, with Wissa forcing a great save from James Trafford before Bruno Guimaraes rattled the post.
However, it was City who struck first just as Newcastle looked to be in the ascendancy, with new signing Antoine Semenyo latching on to Bernardo Silva’s touch to tap in from close range.
Newcastle pressed for an equaliser and while Semenyo had a second ruled out in controversial circumstances, the visitors still had time to get a second as Cherki swept home late on to put the Cityzens in the driving seat ahead of the second leg at the Etihad.
Relive the updates from St James’ Park below:
Newcastle United vs Manchester City live
- Man City beat Newcastle 2-0 in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final
- 90 +8' GOAL! Cherki adds late second for City [NEW 0-2 MCI]
- 68' DISALLOWED GOAL! Semenyo's second chalked off after review [NEW 0-1 MCI]
- 54' GOAL! Semenyo slots in opener after slick City move [NEW 0-1 MCI]
- 50' OFF THE POST! Guimaraes hits woodwork after Trafford save [NEW 0-0 MCI]
- 5' MISS! Wissa skies over from close range [NEW 0-0 MCI]
Antoine Semenyo’s flying start puts Man City on brink of Carabao Cup final
22:22 , Chris WilsonKnocked out of the Carabao Cup in August, Antoine Semenyo may be taking Manchester City to the final of it. And if that made little sense, the rule change that allowed players to represent two clubs in the competition this season had irritated Eddie Howe even before Manchester City’s latest signing threated to end Newcastle’s defence of their first major trophy since the 1960s.
In previous years, he would have been cup-tied. Not now. Semenyo’s part in Bournemouth’s summer defeat to Brentford may be no impediment to claiming a winner’s medal. His first-leg strike, coupled with Rayan Cherki’s 99th-minute second, means City can envisage a March date with Arsenal or Chelsea at Wembley. Newcastle need a turnaround at the Etihad next month.
Antoine Semenyo’s flying start puts Man City on brink of Carabao Cup final
Carabao Cup dates
00:00 , Chris WilsonThe second-leg matches will take place across 3/4 February.
As always the final will be held at Wembley, with the first final of the season coming on 22 March.
FULL-TIME! Newcastle 0-2 Man City
23:50 , Chris Wilson
Carabao Cup fixtures
23:40 , Chris WilsonTomorrow sees the second of the Carabao Cup final first legs, as Chelsea host Arsenal at Stamford Bridge in Liam Rosenior’s first home match in charge.
Howe: Late goal 'a body blow'
23:30 , Chris WilsonNewcastle United boss Eddie Howe was last to speak tp Sky Sports. He says that it was “a body blow” to concede again in the last minute”, thought it is “not fatal at the moment”.
“We're still in there fighting. I think maybe a bit of naivety with a minute to go on the clock, that we're still trying to chase a goal. In that moment, we needed to defend after we got our structure wrong from that position, and we got punished. I think the lads gave everything today under difficult circumstances after the extra time on Saturday, and there was a bit of fatigue in our performance, but I can't fault the players."
On Yoane Wissa missing that early chance, he adds: "Looking back with hindsight, you'd say that's potentially a big turning point. We wanted to get the crowd fully into the match. Manchester City want to do the opposite by retaining the ball and calm the crowd down, also it's always that dynamic by the two teams. Yoane's a top player. He's still finding his very best level after a long time injured. Maybe in a couple more weeks that might've gone in.
"All I can look at is the effort levels of the players, and I think considering Saturday's efforts that we gave against Bournemouth, that was a great effort from the guys against the worst side that could expose that fatigue."
Jamie Redknapp labels Manchester City forward ‘signing of the season’ after win over Newcastle
23:21 , Chris WilsonFormer Liverpool midfielder Jamie Redknapp has hailed Manchester City forward Rayan Cherki as “the signing of the season” after the Frenchman scored a late second in City’s win over Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup.
City secured a 2-0 victory in the first leg of their semi-final with a professional performance at St James’ Park, with Antoine Semenyo having opened the scoring before Cherki added a second in the 98th minute.
The Frenchman only came on as a substitute in the 77th minute but still found time to produce a potentially pivotal moment in the tie, with his accomplished finish leaving Newcastle with a mountain to climb at the Etihad in a few weeks.
Redknapp labels Man City forward ‘signing of the season’ after win over Newcastle
Redknapp reacts to VAR decision
23:16 , Chris WilsonHere’s what Jamie Redknapp had to say on the VAR debacle:
"If the goal is given not one person will say it shouldn't have been allowed.
"However, whether we like it or not, by the letter of the law it is the right decision.
"But that is five minutes of my life I am not getting back. The process took too long."
Pundits critical of VAR
23:08 , Chris WilsonSky’s pundits were all critical of that VAR decision, with Micah Richards calling it “re-refereeing the game”.
“I understand the process but VAR wasn't brought in for this reason here,” said the former City defender.
“This is anti-goal which they said they weren't going to do, they said they weren't going to re-referee the game. This for me is re-refereeing the game.
“They are both going at it. It might be right, but I don't think we should be taking away goals for this. Why take five minutes?”
‘I think it was a great decision’: Dan Burn jokes about controversial VAR incident in Newcastle cup tie
23:00 , Chris WilsonDan Burn joked about the controversial VAR decision during Newcastle’s Carabao Cup semi-final clash with Manchester City which saw Antoine Semenyo’s second goal ruled out for offside.
Semenyo met a corner from Tijjani Reijnders and directed his shot wide of goalkeeper Nick Pope, defender Malick Thiaw and striker Erling Haaland in a moment which City thought had doubled their lead in the league cup tie.
However, VAR intervened before play resumed and took five-and-a-half minutes to decide that Erling Haaland was in an offside position and interfering with play.
Dan Burn jokes about controversial VAR incident in Newcastle cup tie
Burn: 'Second goal was a killer'
22:53 , Chris WilsonDan Burn is understandably disappointed on Sky.
"We had some really good chances. Wissa and Bruno. There were opportunities,” he explains.
“That second goal was a killer. We know what we have to do - there will be belief we can get a result,” he adds.
Guardiola: 'We know how it works'
22:48 , Chris WilsonPep Guardiola seemingly feels aggrieved by recent VAR decisions as he speaks to Sky Sports. Here’s what he had to say:
"Really good. We were there. First step to reach the final."
On Erling Haaland and Antoine Semenyo: "They were not completely connected. They were not ready to get that ball. Second half they were ready."
On Semenyo: "We know Bournemouth did an incredible job with him and every time the ball arrives to him he always is there."
On the second goal being ruled out: "Four officials and VAR were not able to take the decision, they had to go to the referee. We know how it works and that will make us stronger. It's in that situation how we react. It's the semi-finals. We play for a lot to reach the finals. It will make us stronger."
Redknapp: Cherki is 'signing of the season'
22:43 , Chris WilsonOn Sky, Jamie Redknapp is full of praise for Rayan cherki, calling him “a wizard”.
"Some of the things he's doing with the ball at the moment is magnificent. The flick and then to get into the box for the goal.
"You never know how players like this will adjust to the Premier League. Cherki has shown he can do it with the ball and without it.
“You want to watch players light the stadium up. Georgi Kinkladze at Man City was a maverick but wasn't great without the ball, Cherki does a job without it. He's been an unbelievable signing. The signing of the season for me. I love to watch mavericks play football.
"He makes the ball talk, like it's his friend,” added Redknapp.
Why was Antoine Semenyo’s second goal ruled out in Carabao Cup clash with Newcastle?
22:38 , Chris WilsonAntoine Semenyo was left bemused by a VAR intervention that ruled out his second goal in Manchester City’s Carabao Cup semi-final clash against Newcastle United.
Semenyo had previously put the visitors 1-0 up at St. James’ Park before beating his marker from a corner and directing an effort at goal off his knee in the 63rd minute.
Goalkeeper Nick Pope jumped in the opposite direction with defender Malick Thiaw and striker Erling Haaland blocking his route to the ball despite being only a yard of so from Semenyo’s strike.
Why was Antoine Semenyo’s second goal ruled out in Carabao Cup clash with Newcastle?
Semenyo: 'The whole environment here is perfect'
22:32 , Chris WilsonHere’s what Antoine Semenyo had to say to Sky Sports:
"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 explained.
"The whole environment here is perfect. Everyone is confident and wanting achieve the best. I have come into that and they helped with my confidence and made me feel welcome. It's been a lot but I have enjoyed it so far. I am picking things up very quickly and enjoying it.
"I am just taking the confidence I had from Bournemouth here and playing with a smile on my face. I am enjoying every moment."
On what he said to the cameras at the end, he added: "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."
Silva: 'Happy but it is just one leg'
22:27 , Chris WilsonBernardo Silva was one of the first to speak to the media, and he said this to ITV:
"Happy but it is just one leg, we have the second at home. A very good result. It should have been 3-0 but we are quite used to this at the moment."
On the VAR decision, he said: "I don't know what to say, I don't want to say too much because we know how these things work. I saw it, it looked really close to me but it is what it is. It is so frustrating because the last time we came here we also had a lot of decisions go against us.
"Even though we won it was just frustrating to be honest."
On Antoine Semenyo, he adds: "He looks not just a very good player but also a very good guy which fits right in with the team. He is a fantastic guy who wants to help us. Hopefully he can keep going."
Jacob Murphy adds to Newcastle’s woes with hamstring injury
22:17 , Chris WilsonJacob Murphy added to Newcastle’s injury woes by picking up a hamstring issue in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Manchester City.
Murphy impressed during the first half of the League Cup clash and was the most effective outlet for Newcastle whose gameplan involved sitting back and attacking with pace on the counter.
Anthony Gordon had a few moments of joy on the left but Murphy set up the Magpies’ best chance with a run down the right wing. He played in a curling pass to the feet of Yoane Wissa only to watch the striker lift his effort over the crossbar with less than five minutes of the game played.
FULL-TIME! Newcastle 0-2 Man City
22:11 , Chris WilsonAn intriguing second half at St James’ Park then, and one that Newcastle will be absolutely gutted with. They had the chances to take a result back to the Etihad but they will feel almost out of the tie after that late second from Cherki.
The Magpies aren’t out of the tie yet but they have a huge job to do next month.
The second leg of this tie will be played at the Etihad on 4 February.
FULL-TIME! Newcastle 0-2 Man City
22:06 , Chris Wilson
FULL-TIME! Newcastle 0-2 Man City
22:00 , Chris WilsonThe goal is pretty much the final action of the half as City wrap up a 2-0 win!
The holders fid themselves staring at an exit at the halfway point of this semi-final!
GOAL! Newcastle 0-2 Man City
21:59 , Chris Wilson90 +8 mins
GOAL! Could that decide the tie even at this early stage?
City have a second courtesy of Rayan Cherki, who sweeps a low finish past Pope from Ait-Nouri’s cutback.
Newcastle 0-1 Man City
21:56 , Chris Wilson90 +7 mins
Lewis Hall has been by far one of the best players on the pitch today and he sums up his performance with another superb contribution, tracking back and sliding in at the perfect time to prevent a certain goal from a City counter.
Newcastle 0-1 Man City
21:55 , Chris Wilson90 +6 mins
Newcastle are maintaining the pressure now, winning a corner as Barnes’ cross is turned behind.
Joelinton manages to win a second ball to head into the path of Woltemade but there was too much on it for the German.
Newcastle 0-1 Man City
21:53 , Chris Wilson90 +4 mins
Oh, was that the chance! Barnes stands up the defender and clips in a cross towards the back post.
Woltemade is flying in as he tries to make contact with a diving header but he’s just short of reaching it!
Newcastle 0-1 Man City
21:52 , Chris Wilson90 +3 mins
A great opening for Silva as he drives towards goal before sliding a low effort far too close to Pope. Tame from the Portuguese when the space had opened up ahead o him.
Newcastle 0-1 Man City
21:51 , Chris Wilson90 +1 mins
Into the first of NINE minutes of added time here! Can N Newcastle conjure up a couple of chances late on?
Newcastle 0-1 Man City
21:49 , Chris Wilson88 mins
Newcastle still have a lifeline here but they’ll feel they need to at least be level going to the Etihad.
They nearly fashion a chance between Woltemade and Miley but they can;t get the ball under control in the City box.
Newcastle 0-1 Man City
21:47 , Richard Jolly at St James' ParkThe latest thoughts of Richard Jolly at St James’:
“Sending on Kieran Trippier may have been designed to give Newcastle more set-piece threat for these last few minutes. However they get it, they need a goal.”
Newcastle 0-1 Man City
21:46 , Chris Wilson86 mins
And another chance for City there as Pope has to come rushing off his line to prevent Haaland creeping in behind Botman. It’s quite end-to-end late on here!
Elsewhere, Rico Lewis was just booked for wasting time, while Guimaraes comes off for Kieran Trippier.
Newcastle 0-1 Man City
21:43 , Chris Wilson84 mins
Newcastle aren’t quite managing to pile on pressure as they look for a late equaliser, though Woltemade gets clear in the box before fluffing his lines. He should have hit it first time!
Newcastle 0-1 Man City
21:41 , Chris Wilson81 mins
A slight opening for Cherki as he tests Pope from in the box. The angle was against him though, and the ‘keeper manages to get it clear with his feet.
Newcastle 0-1 Man City
21:38 , Chris Wilson78 mins
A bit of a lull in activity over the ladt few minutes. Newcastle have got forward and worked a couple of promising openings, but again the final ball has been missing.
The hosts stiull have plenty of time to claw something back, as Lewis Hall does well to slide in and block a shot from Bernardo Silva in the box.
Newcastle 0-1 Man City
21:36 , Chris Wilson76 mins
Lovely footwork from Doku to win a free-kick down the wing, as Guimaraes is booked for a late challenge.
That’s Doku’s final action tonight, as he makes way for Rayan Cherki.
Newcastle 0-1 Man City
21:34 , Chris Wilson74 mins
Haaland concedes a free-kick near the edge of his own box as he can only control a falling ball with his arm.
Hall delivers but Haaland heads away at the back post.
Newcastle 0-1 Man City
21:31 , Chris Wilson70 mins
CLOSE! Sandro Tonali has just come on and he almost scores immediately, lashing a half-volley not too far wide of the post.
Tonali was one of three changes for Newcastle, with Nick Woltemade and Anthony Elanga also coming on.
Ramsey, Wissa and Gordon were the three to make way.
DISALLOWED GOAL! Newcastle 0-1 Man City
21:28 , Chris Wilson68 mins
The goal is chalked off! We’re back to 1-0!
The replays show that Pope was nowhere near it, but Haaland was stopping the defender on the line. He probably wouldn’t have got near it either but it’s the letter of the law, though that one will likely be controversial.
Newcastle 0-2 Man City
21:26 , Chris Wilson65 mins
This is so difficult to tell. I wouldn’t be surprised if they had to just go with the on-field decision.
Haaland does look like he’s offside but the real question is whether he’s interfering with play at all.
The commentary team aren’t even sure what exactly is being checked, and the replays are just of the still of Haaland.
Chris Kavanagh is going to the monitor...
Newcastle 0-2 Man City
21:24 , Chris WilsonBut hang on...is Erling Haaland offside here? VAR will review it as the Norwegia could be interfering with Nick Pope trying to make the save...
GOAL! Newcastle 0-2 Man City
21:23 , Chris Wilson63 mins
GOAL! It’s another for Semenyo from the corner!
The ball comes in from the left and Semenyo loses his marker and gets his right knee free to knock it in from close range!
Newcastle 0-1 Man City
21:21 , Chris Wilson62 mins
Half a chance for City as Nunes drives forward and picks out Haaland. He lays it off to Silva, but the Portuguese sees his shot blocked before Thiaw pokes it out of play.
City make three changes before the corner, with Foden, Nunes and O’Reily coming off for Rico Lewis, Tijjani Reijnders and Rodri.
Newcastle 0-1 Man City
21:19 , Chris Wilson60 mins
Newcastle look to put some pressure on with a couple of corners, and though Trafford doesn’t deal with the first at all, they managed to get them both clear.
Newcastle 0-1 Man City
21:17 , Chris Wilson57 mins
What can Newcastle produce in response to that sucker punch from City? Guimaraes tries his luck from distance but it’s too close to Trafford.
Newcastle 0-1 Man City
21:17 , Richard Jolly at St James’ ParkThe latest reaction from Richard Jolly at St James’ Park:
“This is the first season a player can play for two clubs in the Carabao Cup. And now Antoine Semenyo, eliminated with Bournemouth, has scored for City.”
GOAL! Newcastle 0-1 Man City
21:14 , Chris Wilson54 mins
GOAL! City have the lead against the run of play!
The visitors work it to Doku down the left and he gets past Barnes too easily before fizzing in a low cross.
Silva gets a touch at the far post to help it on and it takes it past Pope, leaving Semenyo with a tap-in to open the scoring!
Newcastle 0-0 Man City
21:11 , Chris Wilson50 mins
OFF THE POST! So close for Wissa and Guimaraes!
The first chance comes as the striker loops a header towards the near post but Trafford reaches behind himself to claw it away!
And Guimaraes collects the rebound and cuts in before rattling a shot against the post!
Newcastle 0-0 Man City
21:09 , Chris Wilson49 mins
Not far from an own goal there as Ake clips a ball in and Thiaw misses it, with the ball coming off the inside of Gordon’s leg.
It bounces towards goal but Pope was alert to it to make the save, though Thiaw was brought to ground by a City shirt so it likely wouldn’t have counted anyway.
Newcastle 0-0 Man City
21:08 , Chris Wilson47 mins
City win an early free-kick in a dangerous area but the ball in doesn’t clear the first defender.
'A big second half for Newcastle'
21:06 , Chris WilsonThe latest from Richard Jolly at St James’ Park:
“A big second half for Newcastle. They probably have to take a lead to the Etihad if they are to retain the Carabao Cup. Against a weakened City team, it feels like a must-win for them.”
KICK-OFF! Newcastle 0-0 Man City
21:04 , Chris WilsonBack underway at St James’ Park!
HALF-TIME! Newcastle 0-0 Man City
21:01 , Chris WilsonNeutrals will be hoping for a better second half, as will Pep Guardiola, whose side had no shots on target in that first half.
You’d imagine Eddie Howe will be pretty happy, but he’ll know his team should be ahead after that early Wissa chance.
What does the second half have in store as both sides look for a potentially vital first-leg lead? We’ll find out soon enough.
HALF-TIME! Newcastle 0-0 Man City
20:56 , Chris Wilson
HALF-TIME! Newcastle 0-0 Man City
20:50 , Chris WilsonThe corner is the final action of the half and we head into the break level.
An interesting half but one that has been short of clear-cut chances, with the hosts having by far the best chance of the opening 45 minutes as Wissa blazed over.
City took until the last minutes of the half to even have a shot, which tells you a lot of what you need to know.
All squre at the break and still plenty to play for as the hosts look to take a lead back to the Eithad!
Newcastle 0-0 Man City
20:49 , Chris Wilson45 +1 mins
Into added time, of which there’ll be just one minute.
Murphy can’t continue and Harbey Barnes comes on to replace him. He scored both goals in the 2-1 win over City here in November!
The visitors have their first corner turned behind for another one, and Doku’s delivery is headed over at the second time of asking.
Newcastle 0-0 Man City
20:46 , Chris Wilson45 mins
Not a lot Hall can do as he prevents Semenyo arriving at the back post at the expense of a corner.
Elsewhere, Jacob Murphy is down and will need treatment.
Newcastle 0-0 Man City
20:44 , Chris Wilson43 mins
Better from City with the ball, with the hosts managing their first sustained bit of possession in the final third, but it still isn’t clicking in attack so far.
'Not the most eventful game'
20:42 , Chris WilsonThe latest from Richard Jolly at St James’ Park:
“Not the most eventful game so far but Newcastle have prevented City from having a shot of any description. They have kept Erling Haaland and co very quiet.”
Newcastle 0-0 Man City
20:42 , Chris Wilson40 mins
Another clever move from Hall – this one in defence - as he does well to read the ball over the top and shepherd Doku off it.
40 minutes in and City are yet to have a shot.
Newcastle 0-0 Man City
20:39 , Chris Wilson37 mins
A definite booking here as Gordon skips past Nunes and the City defender is forced to bring him down on the wing.
Guimaraes fires in the free-kick but it’s put behind for a corner.
The set-piece comes in but the hosts can’t squeeze the shot through the bodies in the box.
Newcastle 0-0 Man City
20:36 , Chris Wilson35 mins
Murphy easily gets the better of Ake in the box but his cross is straight to Trafford.
The hosts win it back quickly as Thiaw does well to get in in front of Haaland, but Murphy can’t find the gap in the City defence.
Newcastle 0-0 Man City
20:35 , Chris Wilson33 mins
Some more brilliant running from Hall as he does well to win a free-kick. Bernardo Silva has done equally well to avoid a yellow card for bringing him down with a sliding challenge.
Newcastle lose the ball fairly soon after but the City attack breaks down with an uncharacteristically sloppy pass.
Newcastle 0-0 Man City
20:32 , Chris Wilson31 mins
Some early scuffles after a couple of heavy challenges and we have the first bookings of the day. Joelinton and Nico O’Reilly are the recipients.
Newcastle 0-0 Man City
20:30 , Chris Wilson29 mins
Plenty of cheers as Botman slides in well to prevent Semenyo getting clear, before a good interception stops Silva sliding a pass to Haaland in the area.
Newcastle 0-0 Man City
20:29 , Chris Wilson27 mins
Pope is fine, perhaps unsurprinsingly. The hosts get forward quickly, once again targeting Murphy down the right, but he stryaed offside before delivering another good cross to Wissa.
Newcastle 0-0 Man City
20:25 , Chris WilsonA brief break in play as Pope receives some treatment. Here’s the view of Richard Jolly at St James’:
“Nick Pope seems no stranger to tactical injuries. The latest has coincided with Anthony Gordon's need for new boots. He had been signalling to the bench for a few minutes and Eddie Howe didn't feel happy.”
Newcastle 0-0 Man City
20:23 , Chris Wilson21 mins
Plenty of anticipation as Miley threads through a pass to Murphy on the right, but his first-time cross is cleared as Wissa makes a run to the far post.
City still dominating the ball but Newcastle continue to look a real threat on the break.
Semenyo is the latest player who’s fortunate to escape a yellow card as he scythes down Lewis Hall.
'Newcastle's high pressing stands the chance of working'
20:20 , Richard Jolly at St James’ ParkThe latest from Richard Jolly at St James’ Park:
“Newcastle's high pressing stands the chance of working tonight. This is a new-look back half to the City side, with Max Alleyne making just his third appearance, Nico O'Reilly getting a rare outing in midfield and Abdukodir Khusanov scarcely a regular. And James Trafford gave a goal away against Tottenham with a bad pass.”
Newcastle 0-0 Man City
20:18 , Chris Wilson17 mins
Brief openings at both ends but the final ball and the first touch are lacking each time. Joelinton is perhaps lucky to avoid a yellow as he goes in late on Foden.
Newcastle 0-0 Man City
20:16 , Chris Wilson15 mins
Half a chance for Newcastle as Gordon cuts back outside and swings in an early cross, with Joelinton glancing wide from inside the area.
Moments later, Miley does well to win a corner off Ake.
Newcastle 0-0 Man City
20:15 , Chris Wilson13 mins
More possession in and around the Newcastle defensive third for the visitors, but they can’t create anything despite Gordon giving away a soft corner.
Newcastle 0-0 Man City
20:11 , Chris Wilson11 mins
Plenty of involvement for Doku already, with City clearly looking to get him involved early on in attack.
The visitors have had the better of possession so far but it was Newcastle who missed the best early chance, with the hosts clearly happy to sit back and try and strike on the counter this evening.
Newcastle 0-0 Man City
20:09 , Chris Wilson8 mins
Almost a golden chance for Haaland there! Doku finds the overlapping run of Silva and he cuts it back into the box. It takes a touch off Pope and narrowly misses Haaland arriving at the back post!
Newcastle 0-0 Man City
20:07 , Chris Wilson5 mins
CLOSE! The first chance of the noght goes to the Magpies, and what a chance it is!
The hosts work it well in midfield and Gordon gets into space before spreading it wide to Murphy. He looks up and plays a superb first-time ball across to Wissa.
The striker is 1-v-1 with Trafford and takes a touch to steady himself, but he blasts over from point-blank range!
He’ll feel he should have scored.
Newcastle 0-0 Man City
20:03 , Richard Jolly at St James’ Park3 mins
The latest from Richard Jolly at St James’ Park:
“It is indeed Nico O'Reilly anchoring the midfield, a role played more often by another Nico - Gonzalez - this season. It is the fate of anyone there to be compared to Rodri.”
KICK-OFF! Newcastle 0-0 Man City
20:02 , Chris Wilson2 mins
Early possession for City near the Newcastle area but it comes to nothing as Haaland goes over. He thinks he’s fouled but the referee isn’t interested.
KICK-OFF! Newcastle 0-0 Man City
20:01 , Chris WilsonWe’re underway at St James’ Park! What a tie this could be.
Newcastle United vs Manchester City live
19:55 , Chris WilsonThe two teams are in the tunnel at St James’ Park, so we’ll be underway shortly in the first semi-final of the 2025/26 season!
Newcastle United vs Manchester City live
19:50 , Chris Wilson
Guardiola: 'It's a tough place'
19:46 , Chris Wilson“It's a semi-final of the Carabao Cup. When we arrived in the Carabao Cup nobody cared, now we are the first semi-finalists. Whatever happens, it's a tough place but in this competition it is always tough,” says Pep Guardiola ahead of the match on Sky Sports.
"It is not easy against Murphy, Gordon, Wissa and Joelinton. It's a tough place but we have performed really well here.
“Step by step, arrive and play as a winger, same position as t Bournemouth, and there are a few details in images to help his development, but what he did there he has to do here,” he says on new signing Antoine Semenyo as he finishes.
'Interesting team selection from Pep Guardiola'
19:41 , Chris WilsonHere are the thoughts on the line-ups from Richard Jolly, who is in place at St James’ Park ahead of kick-off:
“An interesting team selection from Pep Guardiola. It could be five at the back, though it seems more likely that Nico O'Reilly is in midfield, where he used to play before he was converted into a left-back. Rodri is on the bench, which may indicate he is being saved for the Manchester derby, while Antoine Semenyo plays in the Carabao Cup for a second club this season.
“Sandro Tonali and Nick Woltemade are on the bench for Newcastle. They played 120 minutes on Saturday whereas City managed to win 10-1 against Exeter. That freshness could benefit the visitors.”
Guimaraes: 'It’s a difficult one'
19:36 , Chris Wilson“It’s a difficult one, but definitely we want to win the game. No matter how, we just want to win and get an advantage for the second leg,” says Newcastle’s Bruno Guimaraes.
“Many wins to win a game, and doing it in the end is always great, but not every game! It costs you a lot, but we can’t complain, a win is a win, but if we can get a 1-0 or 2-0 it would be good today!” he adds as he finishes.
'We want to win'
19:31 , Chris Wilson“We know it’s always tough here, it’s always very intesne. The players they have, the stadium, the atmosphere, but we come here to win the game and that’s what we’re going to do,” says City defender Matheus Nunes before the match.
“Just focus on this game, there’s no point in thinking about the next game if we don’t win this game because if we win this game we are closer to qualifying, and that’s what we’re trying to do.,” he adds.
Burn speaks on mentality change
19:26 , Chris WilsonNewcastle defender Dan Burn is on Sky this evening as he recovers from an injury. He’s got this to say on Eddie Howe and how the boss has managed to change expectations at the club:
“Since the manager came in, he made a big thing about the cup competitions. He’s made a real big thing about winning cups and progressing, and getting to the semi-final of the League Cup it feels like it’s an expectation, it’s a bit of a change in mentality.
“if you look at the teams we’re putting out in cup competitions, I think it shows that we’re taking it seriously,” he adds.
Newcastle 'very excited'
19:21 , Chris WilsonNewcastle midfielder Joelinton says the players are “very excited” ahead of the first leg this evening.
“We love the Carabao Cup, and we are very excited to be in another semi-final," he explains.
"It's been a nice journey so far with great games and a great atmosphere at home. The fans will be massive, the support they give the team is unbelievable, it's going to be another special night at home, and the first game is very important.
"It would be great for us [to win the competition again]. In every competition we are in, we want to reach the final and win.
"Last year was a great feeling for everybody, for the players, the fans, the city and of course, we want to do it again,” he added.
Newcastle United vs Manchester City live
19:16 , Chris WilsonJust over 40 minutes until kick-off at St James’ then! It’s looking live a nice evening on Tyneside!
Semi-final ready ✊ pic.twitter.com/QzZL0ai2hU
— Newcastle United (@NUFC) January 13, 2026
Why Man City’s clash with Newcastle is about more than just the Carabao Cup
19:10 , Chris WilsonWhen Pep Guardiola looks at his captain, he will see a man with the same medal collection as him from their time in England. He has won 18 trophies with Manchester City, each with Bernardo Silva by his side. Yet, increasingly, they are the anomalies. City have been England’s most successful team during the Guardiola decade. And yet, unusually for them, much of his squad have no silverware to show for their first-team City careers.
Recent years have seen an exodus of the serial winners – Kevin de Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan, Kyle Walker, Ederson, Manuel Akanji and Jack Grealish last summer; Julian Alvarez, Riyad Mahrez and Aymeric Laporte before then – while the last 12 months have brought a dozen signings. Gianluigi Donnarumma arrived as a Euro 2020 and Champions League winner but the other newcomers are nothing like as decorated.
Why Man City’s clash with Newcastle is about more than just the Carabao Cup
Team news
19:00 , Chris WilsonPep Guardiola has made just five changes to the side that hammered Exter City 10-1.
Phil Foden, Matheus Nunes, Bernardo Silva, Nico O'Reilly and Jeremy Doku all return to the starting XI, with Ryan McAidoo, Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Cherki, Rodri and Rico Lewis dropping out.
Team news
18:55 , Chris WilsonEddie Howe has made seven changes to the side that beat Bournemouth on penalties at the weekend. Nick Pope replaces Aaron Ramsdale in goal, while in defence Lewis Miley and Lewis Hall come in for Kieran Trippier and the injured Tino Livramento.
There are two changes in midfield as Bruno Guimaraes replaces Sandro Tonali and Joelinton comes in for Joe Willock, while in attack Harvey Barnes and Nick Woltemade drop to the bench in favour of Anthony Gordon and Jacob Murphy.
Line-ups
18:49 , Chris WilsonNewcastle XI: Pope; Miley, Botman, Thiaw, Hall; Joelinton, Guimaraes, Ramsey; Murphy, Wissa, Gordon.
Subs: Ramsdale, Trippier, Tonali, Barnes, Elanga, Woltemade, Willock, Murphy, Neave.
You Mags 👊 pic.twitter.com/RZW5g2Evtc
— Newcastle United (@NUFC) January 13, 2026
Line-ups
18:46 , Chris WilsonMan City XI: Trafford, Nunes, Khusanov, Alleyne, Ake, Bernardo, O’Reilly, Semenyo, Foden, Doku, Haaland
Subs: Donnarumma, Reijnders, Cherki, Rodri, Ait-Nouri, McAidoo, Gray, Mukasa, Lewis.
Tonight’s City line-up! 😤🩵
— Manchester City (@ManCity) January 13, 2026
XI | Trafford, Nunes, Khusanov, Alleyne, Ake, Bernardo (C), O’Reilly, Semenyo, Foden, Doku, Haaland
SUBS | Donnarumma, Reijnders, Cherki, Rodri, Ait-Nouri, McAidoo, Gray, Mukasa, Lewis
🤝 @etihad pic.twitter.com/grFXW4ykRc
Line-ups
18:39 , Chris WilsonThe line-ups should be released in the next five minutes, so here’s a reminder of the early team news for both sides...
Newcastle are without defenders Dan Burn, Emil Krafth , Fabian Schar and Jamaal Lascelles due to injury, with wingers Anthony Elanga and Jacob Murphy also doubtful due to knocks. Tino Livramento is out with a hamstring injury.
Man City also have defensive absentees, with John Stones, Josko Gvardiol and Ruben Dias all out injured. Phil Foden could return to the starting XI after being rested against Exeter.
Newcastle arrive at St. James' Park
18:34 , Mike JonesCan the Magpies repeat last season’s feat and advance to the League Cup final?
Carabao Cup dates
18:33 , Chris WilsonThe first leg ties will be played today and tomorrow, with second-leg matches taking place across 3/4 February.
As always the final will be held at Wembley, with the first final of the season coming on 22 March.
Carabao Cup semi-finals
18:28 , Chris WilsonThe other League Cup semi-final sees Arsenal take on Chelsea in a huge London derby.
Liam Rosenior will take charge of the Blues for just the second time tomorrow, and he faces one of the toughest tests in English football right now as he welcomes Mikel Arteta’s side to Stamford Bridge.
That match kicks off at 8pm tomorrow, with the second leg coming on 3 February at the Emirates.
Head-to-head
18:22 , Chris WilsonThese two sides have met a total of 158 times in the past, with City winning 67, Newcastle winning 55 and 36 ending as draws.
The most recent fixture saw the Magpies run out 2-1 winners at St James’ in the Premier League in November, but tonight’s hosts weren’t successful in either of their encounters last term, drawing 1-1 at home and losing 4-0 away.
Form guide
18:16 , Chris WilsonNewcastle LWWWD
The hosts come into the match off the back of a dramatic penalty shootout win over Bournemouth in the FA Cup at the weekend.
Their three Premier League matches before that yielded three wins, though the Magpies were at times unconvincing, notably in the dramatic last-gasp win over Leeds and even more so in the 1-0 loss to Man Utd on Boxing Day.
Man City WDDDW
City have not lost in any of their last four matches, but while the 10-1 win over Exeter City in the FA Cup grabbed headlines, a series of three draws in the league – against Sunderland, Chelsea and Brighton – has seen them fall six points behind leaders Arsenal in recent weeks.
Man City prepared to overcome obstacles to sign Marc Guehi this month
18:10 , Chris WilsonManchester City are intent on signing Marc Guehi this January, having already engaged in talks over a potential deal.
The Crystal Palace centre-half's contract is up in the summer, and his preference had been to wait until then to move due to the reality he would have a range of better offers – both in football terms and financial. All of Barcelona, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich have been interested, as well as virtually every top English club, including Arsenal.
He had been on the brink of going to Liverpool on deadline day in August but Palace manager Oliver Glasner pushed back against his departure and he ultimately stayed at Selhurst Park. That is also a strong consideration for the London club now, having wanted at least £35m for any sale.
Man City prepared to overcome obstacles to sign Marc Guehi this month
Pep Guardiola jokes he is losing sleep over how to beat Eddie Howe’s Newcastle in Carabao Cup semi-final
18:04 , Chris WilsonPep Guardiola joked he had stayed up all night coming up with a tactical masterplan to outwit Eddie Howe in the Carabao Cup semi-final.
Manchester City face holders Newcastle at St James’ Park on Tuesday and Howe had said: “Pep will tactically have something ready for us.”
And Guardiola responded by quipping: “I didn’t sleep tonight thinking how my genius can create something for Eddie Howe.”
Pep Guardiola jokes he is losing sleep over facing Newcastle in Carabao Cup semis
Guardiola: 'It's not about winning or not winning'
17:59 , Chris WilsonSpeaking ahead of the match, Pep Guardiola said that "it's not about winning or not winning trophies” for his side, but rather “it's about how the team grows up, how the team is better”.
“Last season we didn't deserve to win more than just one trophy [Community Shield], because we didn't play good. The satisfaction to win a trophy when we are not playing good can happen - knock-out stages, being lucky. It's not about that, believe me,” he explained.
“We are here to make the team play better. The satisfaction to make a good performance for ourselves, and our fans to say, 'We had fun during 95 minutes' - that is the point.
“And the next game, things that we can do better, do it better. That is the target, and all the time it has been like that. And when you are in that process, at the end you fight for the titles and can win it,” he added.
Howe speaks on tie
17:53 , Chris Wilson"The natural preference is a home game for the second leg because by then you have a clear understanding of what you need to do and have the home crowd with you,” said Eddie Howe ahead of this first leg.
“It's not like that this time [round] so we need to give everything to try and impose ourselves on them in this home tie,” he added.
Howe explained that City “are the hardest team to play over two legs in this country”, adding that “Pep [Guardiola] will tactically have something ready for us, and we will have to be at our very best to get through”,
“They change and tinker a lot with the tactical set-up they have. They're a difficult team to read and know how to plan and prepare for,” he added.
Pep Guardiola reveals James Trafford transfer plan
17:47 , Chris WilsonPep Guardiola will not let James Trafford leave Manchester City on loan this month, dealing the goalkeeper a blow in his bid to get into England’s World Cup squad.
Trafford will start City’s Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Newcastle at St James’ Park on Tuesday.
But the 23-year-old has not appeared in the Premier League since August and has only made one Champions League appearance since his summer move from Burnley.
Is Semenyo available for City?
17:41 , Chris WilsonNew aigning Antoine Semenyo can feature for Man City in tonight’s match after a change was made to the competition's rules this season.
EFL rule 6.4 now says that a player is permitted to play for up to two clubs in the competition in a season, with Semenyo having come off the bench for Bournemouth in an EFL Cup second-round defeat by Brentford in August.
Click here to read the full blog on The Independent's website
