Pep Guardiola credited a contentious Video Assistant Referee (VAR) decision with firing up his Manchester City side during a pivotal 2-0 victory over Newcastle United in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final.
VAR Storm Overshadows Semenyo's Night
The match at St. James' Park was plunged into controversy when a potential second goal for City's new signing, Antoine Semenyo, was ruled out for offside following a protracted VAR review. The delay lasted several minutes, leaving players and a cold midweek crowd in limbo.
Guardiola revealed the incident left his players feeling 'angry', but he believes that emotion ultimately galvanised the team. "I think my players were angry," the City manager stated. "Maybe it [the VAR delay] helped us to be that way. We know how it works and it made us stronger. The spirit was there."
Cherki Seals Crucial Advantage for City
Manchester City had already taken the lead through Semenyo, scoring his second goal since arriving from Bournemouth. The disallowed effort would have been his brace, but the squad's reaction to the setback was telling.
Instead of faltering, City pressed on and sealed a commanding advantage for the return leg at the Etihad Stadium next month. Rayan Cherki scored in the 98th minute to make it 2-0, a goal Guardiola directly linked to the team's fired-up mentality following the VAR interruption.
Howe Admits Newcastle Face 'Mountain to Climb'
For Newcastle manager Eddie Howe, the result leaves his team with a formidable task if they are to retain the trophy they won last March. "I think we have left ourselves a mountain to climb in the second leg," Howe admitted candidly.
While refusing to be drawn on the correctness of the offside call, Howe was critical of the time taken to reach the decision. "I think five minutes is too long for a VAR delay, especially on a cold night – no good for supporters or players," he said.
Howe pointed to missed chances and possible fatigue in his squad but insisted the tie is not over. "We're still alive, we're still fighting... If we can get the next goal in the second leg we're very much in it."
The result gives Manchester City a significant cushion ahead of the second leg, setting up a fascinating conclusion to the semi-final as both teams eye a place at Wembley.
