Manchester City forward Antoine Semenyo has expressed his delight after continuing his impressive start at the club with another goal in City’s 2-0 victory over Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg. The Ghanaian attacker once again played a decisive role as Pep Guardiola’s side took a significant step toward the final with a composed performance at St James’ Park.
City travelled to Tyneside on Tuesday night for the first leg of the semi-final, knowing they were in for a difficult encounter against a Newcastle side renowned for their intensity and strong home support. As expected, the match proved to be a tightly contested affair, with both teams cancelling each other out in a tense opening half that ended without a goal.
Despite enjoying the majority of possession, City found it difficult to break down Newcastle’s compact defensive structure before the interval. The hosts pressed aggressively, closed down passing lanes, and forced Guardiola’s men to recycle the ball patiently in search of an opening. Semenyo remained lively during this period, using his strength and movement to occupy defenders, even as clear chances proved hard to come by.
The breakthrough finally arrived eight minutes into the second half, and it was Semenyo who delivered the decisive moment. Capitalising on a well-worked attacking move, the 26-year-old found space inside the box and finished confidently to give City the lead in the 53rd minute. The goal shifted the momentum firmly in the visitors’ favour and rewarded their persistence.
Newcastle attempted to respond by pushing higher up the pitch, but City remained composed and controlled the tempo of the game. As the match wore on, spaces began to open up, allowing City to exploit Newcastle’s defensive gaps. Substitute Ryan Cherki sealed the win deep into added time, scoring City’s second goal to hand Guardiola’s side a comfortable advantage heading into the return leg.
For Semenyo, the goal marked another milestone in what has been a memorable start to life at the Etihad Stadium. Speaking after the match, the forward revealed how much he has been enjoying his early days at the club and praised his teammates for helping him settle quickly.
“I’ve just come into that, and they’ve helped me with my confidence,” Semenyo said. “It’s been a lot, definitely been a lot, but I’m enjoying it so far. I’m definitely picking things up very quickly.”
The Ghanaian added that his happiness on the pitch has been a key factor in his performances. “I’m enjoying it. I’m playing with a smile on my face. I’m enjoying every moment,” he said.
Semenyo’s comments reflect a player full of confidence and enthusiasm, qualities that have been evident in his recent displays. Since completing his move to Manchester City from AFC Bournemouth, he has adapted rapidly to Guardiola’s tactical demands, showing maturity, discipline, and an eagerness to learn.
His journey at City began with an encouraging performance in the FA Cup third-round tie against Exeter City, where he opened his goalscoring account for the club. That strike appeared to settle any early nerves and has been followed by a series of assured performances, including his latest goal against Newcastle in a high-pressure semi-final encounter.
Guardiola has often spoken about the importance of attitude and adaptability when integrating new players into his system. Semenyo’s willingness to work hard off the ball, combined with his ability to make intelligent runs and contribute defensively, has made him a valuable addition to City’s attacking options.
Beyond his goals, Semenyo’s overall contribution has caught the attention of both fans and analysts. His physical presence provides City with a different attacking dimension, while his pace and directness offer a constant threat in transition. These attributes have complemented City’s possession-based style and added variety to their attacking play.
The victory over Newcastle places Manchester City in a strong position ahead of the second leg of the semi-final. While Guardiola is unlikely to take anything for granted, the two-goal cushion provides a significant advantage as City aim to book another appearance at Wembley.
For Semenyo, attention now turns to the weekend’s Manchester derby against Manchester United, one of the most eagerly anticipated fixtures in the English football calendar. The Ghanaian forward will be hoping to continue his impressive run and play a role in what promises to be a fiercely contested match.
The derby represents another opportunity for Semenyo to test himself on a major stage and further cement his place in Guardiola’s plans. With confidence high and momentum building, he will be eager to maintain his positive form and contribute to City’s pursuit of success across multiple competitions.
Semenyo’s rapid rise has also been a source of pride for Ghanaian football fans, who have watched closely as he makes his mark at one of Europe’s elite clubs. His performances highlight the growing influence of African players in top-level football and serve as inspiration for young talents across the continent.
As the season progresses, Manchester City will rely on squad depth and consistency to sustain their challenge on all fronts. Semenyo’s early impact suggests he could play an increasingly important role as the demands of the campaign intensify.
For now, the forward appears focused on enjoying the journey, learning from his teammates, and making the most of every opportunity. If his current form is any indication, Antoine Semenyo’s smile on the pitch may be a familiar sight for City supporters in the months ahead.
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