Controversial VAR calls and late drama give Manchester City the upper hand in the Carabao Cup semi-final

Manchester City edged closer to another Wembley appearance after a dramatic and controversial Carabao Cup semi-final first leg victory over Newcastle at St James’ Park, in a match dominated by VAR delays, late drama and mounting frustration for the home side.

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe knew the danger posed by Antoine Semenyo before kick-off, and his fears were realised in the second half. The winger, free to feature despite having played earlier in the competition for Bournemouth, broke the deadlock in the 53rd minute to put City ahead.

City’s advantage was later doubled deep into stoppage time when Rayan Cherki struck in the eighth minute of added time, giving the visitors a 2-0 lead to take back to the second leg.

The opening half was cagey and low on clear chances, with both teams struggling to find rhythm. Newcastle briefly lifted the mood when a slick passing move ended with Yoane Wissa clean through, but the striker squandered the opportunity by shooting over from close range.

City were similarly subdued in attack, with Erling Haaland largely isolated and failing to capitalise on his only meaningful chance of the half. Goalkeepers at both ends were rarely tested as the match simmered rather than boiled.

Tension grew after the break. Midfield skirmishes saw Nico O’Reilly and Joelinton booked following a shoving match, while Howe cut an increasingly animated figure on the touchline, visibly frustrated with his side’s sloppy play.

The breakthrough came when City capitalised on hesitation at the back. A cross from the right was helped into Semenyo’s path, and the winger made no mistake, finishing clinically to silence the home crowd.

Moments later, Semenyo thought he had produced a moment of genius by backheeling the ball past the goalkeeper from a corner. Celebrations were cut short by an extraordinary five-minute and 30-second VAR review. After an agonising delay, the goal was ruled out for a marginal offside in the build-up.

The decision left players, supporters and managers alike exasperated. The lengthy stoppage disrupted the flow of the game and drew visible frustration from the City bench.

Newcastle attempted to respond with a triple substitution, injecting fresh energy into the midfield and attack. A quick chance followed as a low cut-back found a late runner, whose effort flashed narrowly wide, but momentum soon slipped away again.

As Newcastle pushed forward in search of an equaliser, spaces opened up at the back. City remained patient and disciplined, content to absorb pressure and wait for the decisive moment.

That moment arrived in stoppage time. With Newcastle committing numbers forward, City struck on the counter, and Cherki finished calmly to deliver a potentially decisive second goal.

Despite the scoreline, the tie is not yet over. Newcastle will look to regroup ahead of the second leg, but their hopes of defending the trophy they lifted last March now hang by a thread.

For City, the result represents another step toward silverware in a season where fine margins, VAR decisions and late goals continue to shape their campaign.