Semenyo’s Second Goal became the major talking point of Manchester City’s Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Newcastle United after a lengthy VAR review overturned the on-field decision. The incident left players, fans, and pundits debating the application of offside law at the highest level.
Before the controversy, Semenyo’s Second Goal appeared to cap a dominant spell from City. After opening the scoring earlier in the match, Antoine Semenyo attacked a corner delivery in the 63rd minute, beating his marker and directing the ball goalwards off his knee. With Nick Pope wrong-footed, the ball found the net amid heavy traffic in the six-yard box.
VAR Review Explains Why Semenyo’s Second Goal Was Disallowed
The decision on Semenyo’s Second Goal shifted when referee Chris Kavanagh was instructed to pause the match for a VAR review. Officials focused on the positioning of Erling Haaland, who was standing close to defender Malick Thiaw near the goal line.
After several minutes and the use of superimposed offside lines, VAR determined Haaland was marginally ahead of the defender and impacting his ability to play the ball, prompting Kavanagh to review the incident on the pitchside monitor.
Official Explanation
Following the review, Semenyo was officially ruled out for offside interference. Kavanagh announced to the stadium:
“After review, Manchester City number nine is in an offside position that impacts the ability of the defender, so the decision is offside.”
The announcement was met with loud cheers from Newcastle supporters, who had earlier voiced frustration at the delay.
The lengthy stoppage surrounding Semenyo’s Second Goal reignited criticism of VAR, especially when contrasted with FA Cup third-round fixtures officiated without video technology, which many praised for maintaining match rhythm and flow.
Late Twist After Semenyo’s Second Goal Drama
Despite the setback of Semenyo’s Second Goal being chalked off, Manchester City pressed on. The extended stoppage time—partly caused by the VAR delay—proved decisive as Rayan Cherki struck in the 98th minute to seal a 2–0 win.
Although Semenyo’s Second Goal did not stand, City now return to the Etihad Stadium with a commanding two-goal advantage, leaving Newcastle with a major task in the second leg of this Carabao Cup semi-final.
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