Bernardo Silva believes that the "frustrating" VAR calls made during Manchester City's 2-0 win over Newcastle United in the EFL Cup overshadowed the contest.
Pep Guardiola's team will take a two-goal lead into the second leg at Etihad Stadium next month, thanks to goals from Antoine Semenyo and Rayan Cherki.
After scoring on his debut since his transfer from Bournemouth, Semenyo opened the scoring in the 53rd minute after Silva touched on Jeremy Doku's teasing cross.
And he thought he had doubled City's lead at St. James' Park when he flicked a Tijjani Reijnders corner past Nick Pope, but the goal was controversially chalked off.
It was deemed that Erling Haaland was interfering with Malick Thiaw from an offside position, with referee Chris Kavanagh disallowing the goal after an on-field review.
"Happy, but it is just one leg; we have the second at home. A very good result. It should have been 3-0, but we are quite used to this at the moment," Silva told ITV Sport.
"I don't know what to say, I don't want to say too much, because we know how these things work. I saw it, it looked really close to me, but it is what it is.
"It is so frustrating because the last time we came here, we also had a lot of decisions go against us.
"Even though we won, it was just frustrating to be honest."
Silva was, however, pleased for Semenyo, who became the first player to score in both of his first two appearances for City in all competitions since Emmanuel Adebayor in August 2009.
"He looks not just a very good player but also a very good guy, which fits right in with the team," Silva said of Semenyo's impact since signing for the club.
"He is a fantastic guy who wants to help us. Hopefully, he can keep going."
Among Premier League players in all competitions, only Erling Haaland (26) and Igor Thiago (17) have scored more goals in 2025-26 than Semenyo (12).
He also competed in more duels (12) and won more aerial duels (two) than any other player for City, while only Doku (seven) had more touches in the Newcastle box than Semenyo's six.
"Tough game, 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," Semenyo added.
"The whole environment here is perfect. Everyone is confident and wants to 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."
Semenyo appeared to say something to the cameras following the full-time whistle, and he revealed what his message was.
"The second goal should have counted," he said. "The referee came and spoke to me and told me what was going on. It is what it is."
Conradfvs
4
That was pathetic offside call by VAR for a person not even playing the ball or obstructing the goalkeeper or having anything to do with the goal . These referees are useless . The worst officials. A legitimate goal is ruled out. Only idiots can come up with that explanation. The ref & VAR are obviously Newcastle supporters .
nauikmosy
1
Offside is offside. City are acting like some cry babies.