Antoine Semenyo has announced his arrival at the Etihad Stadium in devastating fashion, securing a Man of the Match performance as Manchester City equalled their record for an FA Cup victory with a 10-1 demolition of Exeter City.
The Ghanaian international, who recently joined the Citizens in a high-profile £64 million move, silenced any critics of his price tag with a masterclass in direct attacking and clinical efficiency.
In a game that felt more like an exhibition than a competitive cup tie, Semenyo proved to be the creative heartbeat of a second-half surge that left the League One side shell-shocked.
Entrusted with a starting role by the City coaching staff, Semenyo’s integration into the world’s most sophisticated tactical system appeared seamless.
The forward’s statistics told the story of a player who had spent years, rather than days, under the club’s tutelage; he recorded a staggering 91% pass completion rate within the opposition’s half, a feat rarely achieved by a debutant in a front-three role.
The breakthrough for Semenyo’s personal tally began with a moment of vision, delivering a pinpoint cross that allowed Rico Lewis to slot home City’s fifth.
Not content with just an assist, Semenyo later turned goalscorer, latching onto a defence-splitting through ball from fellow new arrival Rayan Cherki to coolly fire past the Exeter goalkeeper.
With Pep Guardiola’s trusted lieutenant Pep Lijnders overseeing the touchline for this cup fixture, the assistant coach was effusive in his praise for the Ghanaian’s tactical discipline and physical output.
“Antoine is settling well. He brings something to the front line that we really need,” Lijnders stated during the post-match briefing. “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.”
Lijnders highlighted that Semenyo’s willingness to chase and press from the front is exactly the high-intensity profile the club sought when they triggered his release clause earlier this month.
The 10-1 scoreline serves as a terrifying warning to the rest of English football as Manchester City advances to the next round of the FA Cup. For Semenyo, the “dream start” provides the perfect platform as the club’s attention pivots toward silverware.
The Black Stars forward is now expected to be a central figure in City’s upcoming Carabao Cup semi-final showdown against Newcastle United.
If his debut performance is any indication, the St. James’ Park faithful will have a significant task on their hands to contain City’s newest attacking weapon.
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