Paul Lake column: Guéhi and Semenyo delight, 10-1 flashbacks and Silva service | OneFootball

One of the most talented players of his generation - City cult hero Paul Lake – continues his monthly column on mancity.com and our official app.

Lake, now a committee member of City’s relaunched former players association ‘Once a Blue’, offers his thoughts on sky blue matters and he begins today with the arrivals of Marc Guéhi and Antoine Semenyo.

Welcome, Marc…

I’m so pleased that City have managed to get the signing of Marc Guéhi over the line.

The 25 year-old has a vast amount of Premier League experience and his proven leadership qualities will certainly enhance Pep’s team for the remainder of the season.

Marc is extremely strong, calm and composed, and his stoic defensive qualities will bolster City’s back line as we continue our push for silverware.

As an experienced international – he’s played at every level from U16 onwards – Marc will no doubt be determined to figure in Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup plans this summer.

Fingers crossed he’ll be joined by his new City team-mates, Phil Foden, John Stones, Nico O’Reilly, Rico Lewis and James Trafford.

Antoine delight...

It’s been fabulous to see Antoine Semenyo pulling on a Manchester City shirt after so many months of being linked with a transfer to the club.

The lad oozes talent. He can play equally effectively on the left side and right side and will definitely bring some added firepower to our existing attack force.

He demonstrated his capability from the off against Exeter City in the FA Cup – his speed and strength were a sight to behold – and followed it up with an excellent display against Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup.

Welcome to Manchester City, Antoine...I hope you have a long, happy and healthy career as a Blue.

10-1 flashbacks...

I had mixed emotions following the 10-1 scoreline against Exeter.

While I was chuffed to bits that City reached that fantastic tally, I’ll be honest...a little part of me was slightly miffed that our longstanding record had been equalled.

I played in the famous 10-1 against Huddersfield Town in November 1987 and never thought that crazy scoreline would ever be replicated.

My good friend and former team-mate David White scored a hat-trick in that match, along with Paul Stewart and Tony Adcock - and Whitie and I had to laugh when we watched the tenth go in at the Etihad.

How very dare the team of ‘26 match our precious record!!!

The Kids are alright...

All that being said, it was wonderful to see so many young players making an appearance against Exeter City.

It will have meant so much to them and their families, as well as the academy staff who have guided them along their football journey.

It was particularly pleasing to see the hugely impressive Ryan McAidoo scoring on his senior debut, aged just 17 years old.

Speaking as a player who came through the youth team ranks myself, back in the mid-1980s, there’s nothing more thrilling than running out with the first team.

It makes all that hard work worthwhile, and the pride and privilege you feel is immeasurable.

In today’s Premier League, and especially at Manchester City, it’s very difficult to reach that pinnacle so it’s tremendous to see young academy players stepping into Pep Guardiola’s squad. Long may it continue.

Dynamic Duo...

It’s been a joy to witness the defensive partnership of Max Alleyne and Abdukodir Khusanov.

The pair were handed such a massive responsibility in the wake of our unfortunate injury situation, yet they’ve done themselves proud and have acquitted themselves brilliantly.

The Carabao Cup semi-final against Newcastle United was a case in point.

Theirs is a difficult ground to visit, with a famously intense and intimidating atmosphere, but both players took it all in their stride.

They defended stoically, were calm under pressure, passed the ball well and came through with flying colours.

It all adds to up great experience for this talented duo, and I hope they recognise exactly what they’ve achieved.

STRONG START IN CUP SEMI...

It was a commendable Carabao Cup semi-final display from the Blues.

I think most would agree that we initially rode our luck in this first leg at St James’ Park, but once we turned the screw we began to dominate the game with lots of possession in the final third leading to the creation of two goal-scoring chances.

It was fabulous to see Semenyo get on the end of the first, taking a leaf out of Raheem Sterling’s book by arriving at the far post for a tap-in.

The second goal was a skilful and well-crafted effort by Rayan Cherki, fresh from the African Cup of Nations, who expertly received the ball from Rayan Ait-Nouri. A great supply and a great finish.

However, the controversial VAR ruling on Semenyo’s ‘goal’ was difficult to take. The ‘clear and obvious’ rationale behind the offside decision was hard to fathom, as was the five-minute delay to reach a conclusion.

A very similar scenario took place the following night, when Chelsea hosted Arsenal in the other semi-final tie, yet the goal was given.

I found this VAR outcome baffling and I can totally appreciate the frustrations of Pep and the players.

That aside, it was a brilliant result and I’m very much looking forward to the second leg at the Etihad. Should be a cracker.

Silva Service...

I must mention the magnificent achievement by Bernardo Silva who, following the Newcastle United game, entered the top ten list of all-time Manchester City appearances.

I’m so delighted for him. Bernardo has such a big personality and his talent, attitude, application and consistency gives him ‘model pro’ status.

His energy on the pitch and quickness of thought is always beautiful to watch, too, and he’s become a highly-respected team captain who always leads by example and never lets the side down.

Speaking on behalf of Once A Blue, the Manchester City former players’ club, we’d like to send Bernardo our congratulations for reaching such an amazing milestone and becoming a true Blue legend.

Derby day downer...

Onto the Manchester derby, unfortunately. I was there at Old Trafford, summarising for BBC Radio Manchester from the press box.

City just weren’t able to reach their usual high standards and it proved to be a very, very chastening experience.

All things considered, United were by far the better team on the day.

Whenever a new manager arrives at a club there can be an initial uplift, which was evidently the case with Michael Carrick in the hot seat. He brought a new energy to United, together with some new ideas, and certainly rekindled that derby day aggression.

But nobody would have been more frustrated than the City players themselves, who know how challenging derby games can be and how much they mean to our supporters.

All in all, it was a disappointing outcome for us Blues – City’s performance was well below par – but rest assured that Pep and the team will be determined to make amends.

With so many important matches coming up, in very quick succession, they’ll be doing their utmost to reset and regroup.

1976 League Cup 50th anniversary...come and join us!

Please allow me to end on a positive note, though.

As many of you know, we are approaching the 50th anniversary of City’s 1976 League Cup final victory.

Thanks to goals from Peter Barnes and Dennis Tueart - the latter scoring that astounding bicycle kick - we triumphed over Newcastle United at Wembley Stadium, bringing joy to thousands of Blues.

To celebrate this memorable milestone, Once A Blue is organising a special lunch event on Friday 20 February – on the eve of City v Newcastle United, fittingly – which will take place in the club’s Legends’ Lounge at 12:30.

Members of the ’76 League Cup final team will be attending the occasion, which will feature a three-course meal, exclusive on-stage player interviews, the chance to meet - and grab selfies with! - some City legends and the opportunity to win some unique memorabilia.

We’d love as many Blues to attend as possible, so please check out our social media channels or email [email protected].

Hope to see you there!