Antoine Semenyo announced his arrival at Manchester City in emphatic fashion after delivering a Man of the Match performance on his debut, scoring a goal and providing an assist in a remarkable 10-1 FA Cup victory over Exeter City.
The Ghanaian forward, signed for a reported £64 million, enjoyed a dream start to life at the Etihad, starting the match and playing a central role in City’s ruthless attacking display. From the opening whistle, Semenyo showed confidence, energy, and a clear understanding of his role, quickly endearing himself to supporters and teammates alike.
After a competitive opening phase, Manchester City asserted full control in the second half, with Semenyo at the heart of almost every dangerous attacking move. His first major contribution came when he delivered a precise cross into the box, allowing Rico Lewis to convert City’s fifth goal and effectively break Exeter City’s resistance. The assist highlighted Semenyo’s vision, awareness, and technical quality on the ball.
Moments later, the 24-year-old forward capped his debut with a well-taken goal of his own. Latching onto a perfectly weighted through ball from Rayan Cherki, Semenyo showed composure beyond his years, calmly slotting the ball past the goalkeeper to register his first goal in Manchester City colours. The strike sparked a huge reaction from the crowd and underlined why City invested heavily in his services.
Beyond the goal and assist, Semenyo’s overall performance stood out. He completed 91 percent of his passes in the opposition half, constantly stretching Exeter’s defence with direct runs, intelligent positioning, and relentless pressing. His ability to combine pace with physical strength made him a constant threat, while his work rate without the ball reflected the high standards demanded at the club.
The dominant victory not only secured City’s progression in the FA Cup but also sent a strong message about the team’s depth and attacking options. Semenyo’s seamless integration into the side suggested a player well-prepared for the demands of elite football, despite it being his first competitive appearance for the reigning champions.
Assistant coach , who oversaw the team for the fixture, was full of praise for the new signing’s immediate impact and mentality. Speaking after the match, Lijnders highlighted Semenyo’s adaptability and hunger to succeed.
“Antoine is settling well. He brings something to the front line that we really need,” Lijnders said. “He can attack quickly, wants to chase, and is a guy who doesn’t stop. You see today that he can adapt quite quickly to our style.”
Such praise from the coaching staff reflects the belief within the club that Semenyo can become a key figure in City’s attacking setup. His willingness to press from the front, combined with his direct approach, aligns perfectly with City’s high-intensity style and tactical demands.
For Ghanaian football fans, Semenyo’s debut performance was particularly significant. The forward has long been regarded as one of Ghana’s brightest attacking talents, and his move to Manchester City marked a major milestone in his career. His Man of the Match display on debut further reinforced expectations that he can compete and thrive at the highest level of European football.
The record-equalling scoreline also added to the sense of momentum surrounding Manchester City as the season progresses. With multiple competitions still in play, the emergence of a player capable of making an instant impact provides a timely boost for the club’s ambitions.
Already, Semenyo has begun to win over the City faithful, with fans praising his confidence, energy, and fearless approach. While it is still early days, his debut suggested a player ready to embrace responsibility and deliver on the big stage.
Attention now turns to City’s upcoming fixtures, including a crucial Carabao Cup semi-final clash against . Semenyo will be hoping to build on his spectacular debut and continue his impressive form as Manchester City push for silverware on multiple fronts.
For the Ghanaian forward, the challenge will be consistency. Maintaining this level of performance across domestic and cup competitions will be key as he seeks to cement his place in one of the most competitive squads in world football. If his debut is any indication, Semenyo appears ready for the challenge.
As Manchester City march forward with renewed confidence, all eyes will remain on their new signing, whose unforgettable first outing has already set the tone for what promises to be an exciting chapter in his career.
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