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Manchester City’s Antoine Semenyo expressed his frustration to television cameras after having a second goal disallowed in City’s 2-0 Carabao Cup semi-final first leg victory over Newcastle United at St James’ Park on Tuesday night, telling reporters his “second goal should’ve counted by the way, just saying.”
Semenyo Voices Frustration Over Disallowed Goal in City’s Newcastle Victory
The Ghanaian forward scored the opening goal to give Pep Guardiola’s side control in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg, but saw a second strike ruled out by referee Chris Kavanagh. Speaking to an on-field television camera immediately after the full-time whistle, Semenyo made his feelings clear with his nine-word response about the disallowed effort that would have secured him a brace in just his second appearance for the club.
The £62.5 million January signing from Bournemouth carried his momentum from a remarkable debut into the Newcastle fixture, having scored and assisted in City’s 10-1 FA Cup demolition of Exeter in the previous round. His opener at St James’ Park reinforced the impact of Guardiola’s decision to move quickly in the January transfer market, with Semenyo’s growing influence becoming a defining talking point since his arrival from Andoni Iraola’s squad.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, Semenyo revealed that referee Chris Kavanagh had explained the decision to him personally. “The referee came and spoke to me and told me what was going on. But yeah, it is what it is,” the 26-year-old said. Despite his disappointment at being denied a brace, Semenyo praised the environment at his new club, stating that “everyone is confident and wanting to achieve the best” and that his teammates had helped with his confidence.
The two-goal advantage gives Manchester City a commanding position ahead of the second leg at the Etihad Stadium in early February. Semenyo’s immediate productivity and ability to perform in high-pressure fixtures suggests his rapid assimilation into Guardiola’s squad continues, with attention now turning to City’s Premier League fixture at Old Trafford as they pursue silverware across multiple competitions.
