Manchester City’s Antoine Semenyo scored again to give his new club the lead in the Carabao Cup semi-final against holders Newcastle, but the extra goal was controversially ruled out by VAR.
Semenyo’s opener was set up by a deft lead from Jeremy Doku and Bernardo Silva, followed shortly afterwards by a deft finish from a corner kick, only for referee Chris Kavanagh to be sent to the pitchside monitor to consider a “subjective offside” decision on Erling Haaland.
There was no doubt that the City striker was slightly ahead of the last defender, but there was discussion not only of offside but also of interference with play when he grappled with Malik Thiaw on the edge of the line. VAR ruled it was Haaland’s interference, and Kavanagh ultimately agreed.
The best part of the entire episode was 6 minutes long. Jamie Redknapp said: “We all agree that VAR is bad for everyone. It doesn’t enhance our game. “That’s just a matter of opinion. Those six minutes bored us stupid.”
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Antoine Semenyo scored the first goal.
Sky Sports’ Chris Sutton criticized the decision at St James’ Park, saying: “I think it’s unbelievable. Thiaw had no intention of reacting to it. It was pure speculation on the part of the referee. Newcastle got away with one point.” Pep Guardiola was also irritated by the incident, and he was also frustrated by the amount of time it took as well as the result.
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Semenyo thought he had scored his second goal, but Erling Haaland was deemed to have interfered with play and the goal was ruled out for ‘subjective offside’ by Chris Kavanagh.
Man City’s second goal was ruled out by VAR.
Just before that, a crucial first-half mistake was compounded when Yoan Wissa’s shot was deflected away by goalkeeper James Trafford, with Bruno Guimarães slamming into the woodwork. All four big chances created by the hosts were wasted.
In fact, City were the only team to stop Newcastle from scoring at home all season, with substitutes Rayan Eyt Nouri and Rayan Cherki combining to add a second goal late in the second half, the latter pulling away from Nick Pope.
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Rayan Cherki doubled Man City’s lead in stoppage time.
The return match will be played next month, but Guardiola’s side have a huge advantage. Newcastle have not won at the Etihad since 2014, when Alan Pardew was manager.
“VAR is not used in re-refereeed matches.”
Sky Sports’ Micah Richards said of Semenyo’s canceled goal:
“I understand the process, but VAR was not introduced for this. This is an anti-goal and they said they were not going to do it.”
“If you look at Thiau and Haaland, they both have a tight grip on each other, they are both going for it.
“While this decision may be technically correct, I don’t think this should rule out the goal.”
Guardiola expresses dissatisfaction with VAR
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Manchester City manager Josep Guardiola is dissatisfied with VAR’s decision to disallow Antoine Semenho’s second goal in the Carabao Cup match against Newcastle, pointing to two incidents from a Premier League match at St James’s Park in November.
Manchester City manager Josep Guardiola:
Regarding the relationship between Haaland and Semenyo, he said: “They weren’t completely connected. We made a few more passes for them, but they weren’t ready. In the second half they were even more connected.”
As for the canceled goal: “It’s okay. We know how it works and that will make us stronger. It’s always important, how we react and fight in those situations. Look at the game here (in the Premier League), two unbelievable penalties and no intervention. In a league game here, look at the 60th and 20th minute.”
“The extra nine minutes means VAR needs more time to make a decision, which should be made by the referee.
“Big teams overcome situations like this. It’s not because we win, no, it’s part of the game. We have to do better.”
Asked if the decision could still have an impact, he added: “It doesn’t matter. Newcastle could score goals too.”
“It took VAR nine minutes to cancel the goal and why they didn’t say anything about the two insane penalties in the 0-0 win against Newcastle.”
Semenyo praises Man City’s ‘perfect’ environment
Manchester City forward Antoine Semenyo:
“The whole environment here is perfect. Everyone is confident and wants to do their best. I’ve been in that situation and they helped my confidence and made me feel welcome.”
“It’s been a lot of trouble, but so far I’m enjoying it. I’m learning things quickly and I’m having fun.
“I’m just bringing the confidence I gained at Bournemouth back here and playing with a smile on my face. I’m enjoying every moment.”
“Cherki is a contracted player for this season.”
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Jamie Redknapp has described Rayan Cherki as a “magician of the ball” and said he is his signing for the season after the Frenchman impressed again in Man City’s Carabao Cup semi-final victory over Newcastle.
Jamie Redknapp of Sky Sports:
“You never know how players like this will adapt to the Premier League. Cherki has shown he can do it with and without the ball. You want to see players light up stadiums. He was an incredible signing.”
Sign of the season for me. I love watching Mavericks play soccer. He makes Ball talk to him like a friend. ”
Howe: Punished for being ‘naive’
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe:
“(The last-minute goal conceded) is a body blow, but it’s not fatal at this point. We’re still fighting. Maybe we were a little naive to still be chasing a goal with a minute left.”
“At that moment, we had to defend after we misstructured from that position and we were punished.
“There was a bit of fatigue in our performance, but you can’t blame the players.”
