Is Semenyo Emerging as Manchester City’s Talisman as Haaland and Foden Misfire?
Pep Guardiola’s decision to splash the cash on Ghanaian forward Antoine Semenyo during this winter transfer window could prove to be one of Manchester City’s best moves this season.
Since making his move from Bournemouth just two weeks ago, the 26-year-old has been nothing short of sensational, quickly establishing himself as the club’s standout performer.
In just four appearances for City, Semenyo has contributed directly to four goals, scoring three and providing an assist. Remarkably, he has found the back of the net in every competition he has featured in for City: the FA Cup, Carabao Cup, and Premier League.
His three goals since joining the club have been the most by any City player in that time, surpassing the likes of Erling Haaland, who has failed to score in his last five outings.
With his latest goal in City’s 2-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers, Semenyo now has 11 league goals for the season—10 of which came during his time at Bournemouth.
His performance has also seen him climb to joint-top in the club’s goal involvement tally, with four (three goals and an assist) alongside Ryan Cherki, who has two goals and two assists in the same period.
Guardiola has been quick to praise Semenyo’s contributions, acknowledging the immense impact he’s had since his arrival.
“Antoine came with incredible energy,” Guardiola said. “And you know how it is with strikers—numbers speak volumes. Since he arrived, Antoine has been unbelievable!”
Guardiola also pointed to Semenyo’s composure and technical quality in the win against Wolves.
“He scored a great goal, it looks easy, but the control was perfect, just passed the ball into the net. He made another chance with an excellent pass from Marc Guehi, and had another attempt that hit the crossbar.”
While Semenyo’s star is on the rise, Manchester City’s regular attacking duo, Haaland and Phil Foden, have struggled to find their best form in recent weeks.
Haaland, the Premier League’s top scorer (20), has gone five matches without a goal, while Foden has failed to register either a goal or an assist in his last 10 appearances, which led to his demotion to the bench in their past two games.
Guardiola has made it clear that City’s ambitions; both for the current season and in the years to come, cannot be achieved without the best performances from Haaland and Foden.
“We cannot do what we want to do this season, and in the future of this club, without Erling and Phil at their best,” They’ve played a lot… a lot, a lot.
But with the people up front, it’s a question of numbers. We desperately need the best from Erling and Phil.”
As City look to hit their stride in the second half of the season, the spotlight is now on Semenyo to continue his electrifying form and inspire a revival from his underperforming teammates.
