Manchester City earn a fantastic first leg win in the League Cup semi finals. The win had some controversy after the VAR review that took nearly ten minutes and was a blight on the match. The players who played up to level, were Cherki, Haaland and Semenyo who has looked unstoppable since joining. A great win in the first leg and we move.Pep Guardiola Reaction“We were really good. We were there. First step to reach the final.”On Erling Haaland and Antoine Semenyo playing better after the break: “They were not completely connected. They were not ready to get that ball. Second half they were ready.”On Semenyo: “We know Bournemouth did an incredible job with him and every time the ball arrives to him he always is there.”On Semenyo’s second goal being ruled out: “Four officials and VAR were not able to take the decision, they had to go to the referee. We know how it works and that will make us stronger.“It’s in that situation how we react. It’s the semi-finals. We play for a lot to reach the finals. It will make us stronger.”On Bernardo: “Today, again you cannot imagine what a player Bernardo Silva is,” said Pep.“This player will be missed, but hopefully he can stay for many centuries.“That guy knows what it is to play football and to be a competitor. He knows the rules, absolutely everything.”Notable Media Ice. Cold. 🥶 pic.twitter.com/B98qfAG7jG— Manchester City (@ManCity) January 13, 2026Man City take a 2-0 lead over Newcastle into the second leg of their EFL Cup semifinal 👊 pic.twitter.com/S11yS2drFe— B/R Football (@brfootball) January 13, 2026"I'm playing with a smile on my face" 😁Antoine Semenyo is enjoying every moment 🩵 pic.twitter.com/DN3JhwhU8C— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) January 13, 2026Look at that from Bernardo. Strolls around with the ball under control until somebody bites and fouls him. A master at work. How anybody thinks he shouldn't play in this team is miles beyond my comprehension— Sam Lee (@SamLee) January 13, 2026Two games played. Two Man of the Match awards ✅🤝 @EASPORTSFC pic.twitter.com/E4LDaWPO5x— Manchester City (@ManCity) January 13, 2026