Manchester City edged closer to another EFL Cup final after a controlled 2-0 win away to Newcastle United, ending the Magpies' long unbeaten run at St James' Park and taking a firm grip on their semi-final tie, Softfootball reports.
The hosts started with intent and almost made the perfect opening. Within the opening minutes, Jacob Murphy found space down the right and picked out Yoane Wissa inside the area, but the forward failed to make the most of the opportunity, lifting his effort over the bar. That moment briefly lifted the home crowd, yet clear chances were scarce thereafter in a first half disrupted by fouls and stoppages rather than flowing football.
Newcastle emerged with renewed energy after the break and went close twice in quick succession. Wissa's header needed to be cleared off the line by James Trafford, while Bruno Guimaraes followed up with a thunderous strike that crashed back off the post. Those missed opportunities proved decisive.
