Manchester City took control of their semi-final game against Carabao Cup holders Newcastle United with a 2-0 first-leg win at St. James’ Park through goals from Antoine Semenyo and Rayan Cherki. Semenyo recently completed a £65m deal to move to the City less than a week ago from Bournemouth and has continued to display a remarkable contribution in Manchester City. Semenyo scored and assisted in his first game for the club, where the team embarrassed Exeter with a 10-1 win. The forward fired again after he tapped in at the back post after Bernardo Silva clicked on a cross by Jeremy Doku. The second goal by Semenyo was not counted. Newcastle United were left frustrated after their effort at hitting the net struck the woodwork twice while the game was scoreless. Not long after Bruno Guimarães rattled the crossbar himself, James Trafford tipped a header onto the bar from Yoane Wissa himself. Yoane Wissa had earlier missed a fine opportunity at close range. The dominance displayed by Manchester City was worth it at stoppage time when Cherki, who entered the game as a substitute, fired into Newcastle's net, making it a double for City, giving his side a good merit ahead of the second leg, which will be played on the 4th of February at the Etihad Stadium.