Overview
- Manchester City won 2-0 at St James’ Park in the first leg, with Antoine Semenyo scoring before Rayan Cherki sealed the result in stoppage time.
- Semenyo saw a second effort disallowed after a lengthy VAR review ruled Erling Haaland offside and impeding defender Malick Thiaw.
- The holders face an uphill task in the February 4 return at the Etihad, where City will defend a two-goal advantage for a place at Wembley.
- Newcastle threatened most just after the break as James Trafford tipped Yoane Wissa’s header onto the bar and Bruno Guimarães hit the post.
- Semenyo’s involvement was permitted under this season’s amended Rule 6.4, which Eddie Howe criticized after it enabled him to play despite featuring earlier for Bournemouth.