Antoine Semenyo opened the scoring on 52 minutes and Rayan Cherki added a second deep into added time as the Blues showed magnificent resilience in defence.
And the margin of victory could have been even bigger had a second Semenyo goal not been ruled out by VAR.
The game in 250 words
City could - and maybe should - have been behind after just five minutes.
A Newcastle counter-attack caught the Blues cold and Jacob Murphy’s cross found Yoane Wissa, but with only James Trafford to beat, he skewed his shot well over.
It proved to be the best opportunity for either side in what became an increasingly bat-tempered first 45 in which neither keeper was tested.
Of course, going in all-square at the break at St James’ Park in a major cup semi-final is nothing to be sniffed at, but there was a feeling of inevitability that the hosts would step up the pace in the second period.
And so it proved, again five minutes in as the Magpies hit the woodwork twice in the space of a few seconds as first Trafford somehow clawed Wissa’s looping header out and then Guimarães struck the loose ball against the post.
The Blues responded immediately and on 53 minutes, the deadlock was finally broken.
Jeremy Doku breezed past Harvey Barnes on the left, crossed in low where Bernardo flicked the ball on and into the path of Antoine Semenyo who made no mistake from close range.
Ten minutes later, Semenyo had the ball in the net again, as he brilliantly flicked home Tijjani Reijnders’ corner - only for VAR to disallow it for a ‘subjective offside’ against Erling Haaland.
It felt incredibly harsh to say the least.
And it initially gave the home side a huge fillip with Sandro Tonali almost levelling minutes later.
But City, marshalled by the brilliant Abdukodir Khusanov and Max Alleyne, stood firm, retook control and an excellent burst down the left by Rayan Ait-Nouri teed up a second for Cherki eight minutes into added time.
It was no less than City deserved and after the VAR controversy, it felt like justice had been done.
Teams
NEWCASTLE UNITED: Pope, Miley, Thiaw, Botman, Hall, Guimaraes (Trippier 87), Ramsey (Tonali 69), Joelinton, Murphy (Barnes 45+1), Wissa (Woltemade 69), Gordon (Elanga 69)
Subs: Ramsdale , Willock, A .Murphy, Neave
CITY: Trafford, Nunes (Lewis 62), Khusanov, Alleyne, Ake (Ait-Nouri 88), Bernardo (c), O’Reilly (Rodri 62), Semenyo, Foden (Reijnders 62), Doku (Cherki 77), Haaland
Subs: Donnarumma, , McAidoo, Gray, Mukasa
Star Man
There were many warriors in sky blue at St James’ Park.
Trafford was excellent, as were most of the defensive unity - Alleyne and Khusanov in particular.
Bernardo dug deep into his energy reserves to give a skipper’s performance, but Semenyo - who should have had two goals to celebrate, just edges the honours.
Alleyne and Khusanov, take a bow...
Khusanov (21) and Alleyne (20) were pitched together against Brighton less than a week ago - but you’d never guess it.
As the Blues’ injury crisis deepened, both youngsters stepped up and have been superb in the three games they’ve played together, having to create an understanding as they go, but they have done a magnificent job for their team.
The Blues have been unbeaten in those three games, conceding just two goals and keeping a clean sheet in the bearpit of a feverish St James’ Park.
Both youngsters should be incredibly proud of their contribution.
Pep verdict
The boss speaking to Sky Sports...
“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.”
Semenyo reaction
“Tough game today but if we stuck in there we knew we would get chances. I was in the right area to tap it in and we were victorious so I am happy.
“The whole environment here is perfect. Everyone is confident and wanting achieve the best. I have come into that and they helped with my confidence and made me feel welcome. It’s been a lot but I have enjoyed it so far. I am picking things up very quickly and enjoying it.
“I am just taking the confidence I had from Bournemouth here and playing with a smile on my face. I am enjoying every moment.”
“The second goal should have counted. The referee came and spoke to me and told me what was going on. It is what it is.”
What it means
City take a 2-0 lead into the second leg on 4 February.
That game will kick off at 20:00 (UK) and tickets are available as the Blues attempt to return to Wembley for yet another showpiece final.
It also extends our unbeaten run to 13 games in all competitions.
Next Fixture
All fixturesEFL Cup
GMT
what’s next
City take on Manchester United in the Premier League this Saturday, 17 January.
The game at Old Trafford kicks off at 12:30pm (UK) with the Blues looking to extend our unbeaten league run to 10 games.
Then it’s off to Norway to take on Bodo/Glimt in the league phase of the Champions League.
Kick-off is 17:45 (UK) on Tuesday, 20 January.
City v Newcastle Second leg tickets available!
See the conclusion of what promises to be a thrilling final four tie at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday 4 February.
Newcastle are the holders of the Carabao Cup and will be determined to hold on their crown, while City are seeking a ninth success in League Cup history.
Tickets start from £20 for adults and £10 for concessions, while a wide of hospitality packages are also on offer to make it a special occasion!
*Tickets on sale to Season Ticket Members and Official Members who have previously attended at least one fixture at the Etihad Stadium.
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