New £65m signing Antoine Semenyo was on target to help Manchester City secure a 2-0 win over Newcastle United in the League Cup semi-final first leg.
The Ghana international, who joined from Bournemouth last week, wasted no time justifying his price tag at St James’ Park.
Semenyo opened the scoring early in the first half, demonstrating the explosive pace and clinical finishing that made him Pep Guardiola’s primary January target.
While he saw a second goal controversially ruled out by VAR – a decision Guardiola later labeled as diabolical – his performance provided a much-needed spark for a City side missing several key defensive figures through injury.
Guardiola signaled his intent to reach the final by naming a formidable starting lineup, including a rare League Cup start for Erling Haaland.
The 2-0 victory puts City in a commanding position ahead of the return leg at the Etihad. However, the champions must quickly shift their focus to the Premier League, as they prepare for a high-stakes Manchester Derby this weekend.
For Semenyo, the debut goal serves as a perfect introduction to the City faithful as the club pursues silverware on multiple fronts.