Manchester City beat Newcastle United 2-0 in their semi-final first leg, yet much of the focus stayed on a disallowed goal and Pep Guardiola’s anger with
VAR. Antoine Semenyo’s close-range finish was ruled out for offside interference by Erling Haaland, prompting Guardiola to question how the officials applied the laws during the match at St James' Park.
The key flashpoint came when Semenyo, who had already scored early in the second half, turned in a flicked effort from an inswinging corner. After a long delay, referee Chris Kavanagh watched replays on the pitchside monitor. Officials eventually judged that Haaland had obstructed Malick Thiaw from an offside position, leading to the decision that cancelled the second goal.
Guardiola felt the judgment contrasted with earlier moments this season involving Manchester City and Newcastle United. "Four officials and VAR were not able to take the decision, they had to go to the referee," Guardiola said, as quoted by Sky Sports. "I don't understand why in the Premier League game with [Fabian] Schar on Phil [Foden] why VAR didn't say anything. Then the penalty with [Jeremy] Doku and Thiaw. "
Guardiola highlighted what he saw as different thresholds for VAR involvement between the cup tie and November’s Premier League meeting at the same venue. "Today, the line was perfect. Millimetres. I don't understand but I'm pretty sure the official will call me tomorrow to explain why VAR didn't intervene at 0-0 here [St James' Park] in the Premier League. "
Guardiola underlined that he had stayed silent after the earlier league defeat, despite feeling Manchester City suffered key calls against Newcastle United. "Look back at my press conference. I didn't say anything after that game. But here, VAR intervenes but not for two unbelievable penalties. " The manager stressed that his comments followed a win, not a loss, to show consistency in his stance.
Guardiola then framed the situation as another test for Manchester City in high-pressure fixtures. "We know how it works and that will make us stronger. I've said it many times to the team, it is always about that. It's in that situation how we react and how we compete. " Newcastle United had long spells of pressure, yet City controlled the key moments.
Reflecting on earlier matches at St James' Park, Guardiola referred again to the league encounter’s timeline. "In the league game here, 60 minutes and 20 minutes, take a look. I said it today because we won. Tell me if I said anything after the game we lost. " He suggested that long experience in England shaped expectations. "In 10 years here, I know what happens. The line was perfect today. Ask them. Who is the boss of the referees? Ask him [Howard Webb]. "
Guardiola linked the Newcastle United semi-final to other recent high-stakes games involving Manchester City and VAR incidents. "It's the semi-finals. We play for a lot to reach the finals. It will make us stronger. " He referenced a moment from the previous season’s FA Cup showpiece. "Did you review the FA Cup final last season? When [Dean] Henderson touched the ball outside the box. Did I say anything?" For Guardiola, major clubs must absorb such calls. "The big clubs overcome these situations. It's part of the game, we have to do it better. We know it is going to happen so we have to do it better. "
74 - Excluding penalties, Rayan Cherki has the best minutes per goal/assist ratio of any player in Europe's big five leagues (all competitions) this season (900+ mins played). 1,332 minutes played 18 goal involvement (7 goals, 11 assists) 74 mins per goal/assist Special. pic.twitter.com/aSNopPOspHOptaJoe (@OptaJoe) January 14, 2026
Those numbers were backed up on the night as Rayan Cherki struck late to give Manchester City a 2-0 lead in the tie against Newcastle United. To illustrate Cherki’s form across all competitions in Europe’s big five leagues this season, his attacking data can be laid out clearly.
City’s second goal means Newcastle United must overturn a two-goal deficit in early February’s second leg to deny Manchester City a place in the final. Guardiola’s side carry a strong advantage, while debate over VAR and the offside ruling on Semenyo’s disallowed effort is likely to continue well beyond the match.
