The new attacking weapon at Manchester City showed exactly what he’ll add to the fray against Exeter City | OneFootball

Antoine Semenyo made his first start for Manchester City in their 10-1 FA Cup third-round tie win over Exeter City at the Etihad Stadium yesterday. Semenyo arrived at City on Friday after completing his move from Bournemouth. It was hoped that Semenyo could show what he would add to Pep Guardiola’s squad during yesterday’s match. He did exactly that, and while bigger challenges await Semenyo and City, Semenyo’s City debut gave a tantalizing glimpse of what he will add to this City side.

Antoine Semenyo looked right at home as a Manchester City player against Exeter City.

By the final whistle of yesterday’s match, Antoine Semenyo had grabbed his first goal for Manchester City and picked up his first assist. He became the first player since Sergio Aguero in 2011 against Swansea City to achieve that feat. That was impressive in itself. But more than that, Semenyo’s overall performance showed exactly what he’ll add to Pep Guardiola’s squad.

Semenyo was a willing runner on the left wing. His work rate was superb on both sides of the ball. He got himself into dangerous positions going forward, and his defensive work rate out of possession was tremendous. Semenyo seemed to grasp the concepts of Manchester City’s out of possession play extremely quickly. That was pleasing to see.

On the ball, Semenyo knew when to maintain possession and pick his moments to attack. There was an intelligence to this side of his play. That side of his game won’t create headlines, but at first glimpse, it was easy to see that the Ghana international should slot into the Manchester City system well.

Semenyo’s run and finish that saw him bag his first goal for Manchester City showed exactly what he’ll add to Pep Guardiola’s squad when he has space to get in behind. Rayan Cherki picked him out with a sublime through ball, and Semenyo did the rest. That type of goal and finish is exactly what City lacked with their current wingers, and they now have a proven goal threat out wide at their disposal.

Pep Lijnders was thrilled with Antoine Semenyo’s debut.

Speaking after Manchester City’s win over Exeter City, Manchester City assistant manager Pep Lijnders was thrilled with Antoine Semenyo’s City debut.. He told the media after the match: “Antoine is settling well. He’s a humble guy. We followed him for a long time and he brings something to the front line that we want and need.”

“He can attack quickly, he wants to chase, he doesn’t stop. You saw today, he can adapt quickly to our style so it’s nice to have him with us.”

Antoine Semenyo showed exactly what he brings to Manchester City with his performance against Exeter City yesterday. The opposition was overmatched, but Semenyo could only play what was in front of him. He did that and showed that he will add plenty to this City team, and that was one of the main stories to come out of City’s huge win.