Cherki adds gloss for City after VAR takes centre stage

Eddie Howe was not exactly overjoyed to learn that, instead of being cup-tied, Antoine Semenyo was free to play for Manchester City.

- Louise Taylor

Sure enough the Newcastle manager's worst fears were realised as Semenyo - who had played in the competition this season for Bournemouth - scored City's opener and had an another "goal" disallowed before Rayan Cherki's stoppage-time second left Pep Guardiola smiling broadly. With a second leg at the Etihad Stadium still to come this semifinal is not quite over but, thanks to not merely Semenyo but some fine goalkeeping from James Trafford, Newcastle's defence of the Carabao Cup they won last March is looking distinctly fragile.

Newcastle kicked off, buoyed by the news their Saudi Arabian majority owners are set to imminently announce plans for the construction of a £200m training ground at Woolsington Hall.

Situated close to both the city's airport-where the team fly to and from virtually every match - and a majority of the players' homes in upmarket Ponteland, it is an ideal location that should help make Newcastle a more attractive prospect for future signings.

An expanding trophy collection would be an even greater magnet and Newcastle's hopes of returning to Wembley to defend the trophy they lifted last year briefly soared when, following a slick move involving Joelinton, Anthony Gordon and Jacob Murphy, Yoane Wissa found himself with only James Trafford to beat.