Manchester City seized a commanding advantage in their Carabao Cup semi-final on Tuesday night, defeating Newcastle United 2-0 at St James' Park. However, the victory was overshadowed by a furious post-match outburst from City boss Pep Guardiola, who directed his anger squarely at the unpredictability and lengthy delays of VAR.
City's Control Tempered by VAR Chaos
The visitors took control of the tie with a goal in each half. New signing Antoine Semenyo, eligible to play despite a prior appearance for Bournemouth, opened the scoring with an assist from the imperious Bernardo Silva. City then sealed a vital two-goal cushion deep into added time when substitute Rayan Cherki found the net.
Yet, the major talking point arrived earlier, when a potential second goal for Semenyo was chalked off after a protracted VAR check lasting over five and a half minutes. The review concluded that Erling Haaland was in an offside position in the build-up, a decision that left Guardiola incandescent on the touchline.
Guardiola's Pent-Up Frustration Erupts
Having remained silent after a controversial 2-1 Premier League defeat at the same ground in November, Guardiola could no longer contain his frustration. He launched a pointed critique of the Video Assistant Referee system, questioning its consistency and reliability.
"I would like to know why VAR in 60 minutes in the Premier League game at Newcastle... it was an insane penalty on Schar for Foden and not even a consideration," Guardiola fumed. He referenced several other incidents this season where he felt decisions went against his side without intervention. "I'm pretty sure Howard Webb is going to come in tomorrow... They will call me and explain it to me."
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe conceded the delay was "too long," but his primary concern was the mountainous task now facing his team in the second leg. "I think we have left ourselves with a mountain to climb," Howe admitted, acknowledging his side's missed chances to alter the scoreline.
Praise Amidst the Controversy
Once he had calmed, Guardiola was keen to highlight the positive performances from his squad. He praised Semenyo's improved second-half display and reserved special acclaim for Bernardo Silva. "You cannot imagine what a player Bernardo Silva is. He will be missed. He is special, he knows what it is to be a competitor," said the City manager, hinting at the Portuguese star's uncertain future.
The result leaves Manchester City firmly in control of the Carabao Cup semi-final ahead of the return leg at the Etihad Stadium. However, the fallout from another night of VAR controversy, and Guardiola's explosive reaction, will dominate headlines just as much as the football.
