Howe reminded of Pope's talent as 'genius' rival boss gets the better of him

MISSED TARGET TRAFFORD COMFORTABLE

- By SEAN MCCORMICK

NEWCASTLE United's defence of their Carabao Cup title looks all but over after they were beaten 2-0 by Manchester City in the semifinal first leg at St James' Park.

Second-half goals from Antoine Semenyo, who only signed for the club on Friday, and Rayan Cherki condemned the Magpies to a bruising defeat and left them with a huge mountain to climb ahead of next month's second leg at the Etihad Stadium.

The odds are now hugely stacked against Eddie Howe's side to retain the trophy they won at Wembley last season.

Here are five things we learned from a bruising defeat for Newcastle on Tyneside.

Eddie Howe could not prevent Pep Guardiola 'genius'

The Manchester City boss was asked in his pre-match press conference about Howe suggesting he would have something tactically up his sleeve but the City boss was in no mood to offer a serious response.

"I didn't sleep tonight thinking how my genius can create something for Eddie Howe," Guardiola said.

It set an interesting platform ahead of the game but in what was a fascinating tactical battle throughout, one change from Guardiola made a huge difference in the second half.

With City 1-0 up and Newcastle with their tails up after a second Semenyo goal was ruled out for offside, he decided to replace Jeremy Doku, who had looked dangerous throughout the game, with Rayan Cherki.

Semenyo shifted from the right wing to the left wing and Cherki took position on the right wing and he made an immediate impact.