Man City’s winning formula rubbing off on FA Cup final hero Antoine Semenyo | OneFootball

Antoine Semenyo believes Manchester City’s winning ways have rubbed off on him after his stunning strike saw off Chelsea in the FA Cup final.

The 26-year-old scored with a moment of breath-taking improvisation, flicking the ball beyond Robert Sanchez from Erling Haaland’s low cross, to unpick a Chelsea side that had set up to defend, only to be downed 18 minutes from time by what was surely the goal of the City winger’s career so far.

It meant a second winners’ medal in his five months since moving from Bournemouth in January, with the Carabao Cup already in the bag.

Attentions now turn to hunting down Arsenal in the Premier League title race, beginning with Tuesday’s game at the Vitality Stadium.

“It’s been surreal,” said Semenyo. “Everything’s just happened so quickly. I came in January, I’ve had to adapt as quick as I can and try and do my best for the team.

“We’ve got top pros who have won it all, you learn a lot. It rubs off on you a little bit. We just have to focus on what we’re doing and see what happens by the end of next week.”

City need to win on Tuesday to be sure of taking the title race to the final day of the season.

Should Arsenal beat Burnley at the Emirates on Monday, then anything less than three points for City on the south coast will hand the Gunners the title ahead of Sunday’s final round of fixtures.

“We’re just focused on us,” said Semenyo. “We’re not focused on Arsenal and what they do. We just have to win our games and apply pressure.”

Tuesday’s game will be a first return to Bournemouth for Semenyo since leaving the club where he scored 32 goals in 110 appearances.

City’s task is made stiffer by the fact the Cherries are themselves in need of a win to keep their Champions League qualification hopes alive.

A victory for Andoni Iraola’s side will mean they go into the final day just a point behind Liverpool in the race for a first ever appearance in Europe’s top competition.

“It’s going to be tough,” said Semenyo. “They’re fighting for Europe. They’re going to make it tough for us.

“I still speak to them every day to be honest. It’ll be good to see them all.”