Manchester City moved a step closer to the English League Cup final with a 2-0 victory over Newcastle on Tuesday night, powered by another impressive display from new signing Antoine Semenyo.
The Premier League champions seized control of the semifinal first leg at St James’ Park as Semenyo, who joined from Bournemouth for $87 million last week, opened the scoring before substitute Rayan Cherki struck in added time to hand Pep Guardiola’s side a comfortable advantage.
The Ghanaian forward has now scored in back-to-back games for City, having also found the net on his debut in a stunning 10-1 FA Cup demolition of Exeter over the weekend.
He came close to doubling his tally against Newcastle with a brilliant back-heeled finish, only for the effort to be ruled out marginally for offside.
Semenyo is already proving his value after establishing himself as one of Bournemouth’s standout performers this season, scoring 10 Premier League goals for the Cherries.
His arrival has given City an extra attacking dimension as Guardiola eyes success on multiple fronts.
With a two-goal lead heading into the second leg at the Etihad Stadium next month, City are well placed to reach the final, with the League Cup potentially becoming the first of four trophies they are targeting this season.
