Manchester City moved a step closer to the Carabao Cup final with a 2–0 win away at Newcastle United, but the result did little to ease Pep Guardiola’s frustration after a lengthy VAR decision ruled out a second goal for Antoine Semenyo.
The semi-final first leg at St James’ Park was largely controlled by City, yet the talking point arrived when a video review lasting almost six minutes ended with Semenyo’s effort being disallowed. The delay and outcome left Guardiola visibly unhappy after the final whistle.
Speaking after the match, the City manager said he expects clarity from referees’ chief Howard Webb, questioning the consistency of VAR decisions involving his side. Guardiola referenced City’s 2–1 league defeat at Newcastle in November, when he felt Phil Foden should have been awarded a penalty following a late challenge from Fabian Schär. That incident was later judged to be an error by the Key Match Incidents Panel.
Guardiola pointed out that, in his view, similar situations have been handled differently, which added to his frustration on the night. He also drew comparisons with previous high-profile moments, including last season’s FA Cup final defeat to Crystal Palace, where he believed a red card offence went unpunished early in the match.
Despite the controversy, City leave Tyneside with a strong advantage ahead of the return leg. The second match will be played on 4 February at the Etihad Stadium, where Manchester City will look to finish the job and book a place in the final.
Their opponents in the showpiece event will be either Chelsea or Arsenal, with that tie still finely balanced. For now, City’s focus remains on the football, even if the debate around VAR shows no sign of fading.
