Semenyo Steals the Spotlight as Manchester City Run Riot in Record-Equalling Rout
Having signed off at Bournemouth in fairytale fashion, Antoine Semenyo began life at Manchester City in a similarly dreamy manner just four days later, delivering a performance for the ages as Pep Guardiola’s side powered to a record-equalling victory that sent a clear message to their title rivals.
Under the lights at the Etihad Stadium, City were ruthless, relentless and resplendent, dismantling their opponents with a blend of surgical precision and breathtaking attacking football. But amid the familiar brilliance of Guardiola’s well-oiled machine, it was the new man who stole the headlines. Semenyo, thrust straight into the starting XI after completing his move earlier in the week, played with the confidence of a seasoned City veteran rather than a player still learning the rhythms of his new surroundings.
By the time the final whistle blew on a night of historic significance, the scoreline matched the club’s biggest-ever Premier League win, and Semenyo had announced himself in emphatic fashion — with goals, assists, tireless pressing and an aura that suggested he belongs at the very top.
A Fairytale Farewell, A Dream Beginning
Just days earlier on the south coast, Semenyo had signed off his Bournemouth career in unforgettable style, scoring a late winner that sealed a famous victory and brought the Vitality Stadium to its feet. It was a moment dripping in narrative symmetry — the kind of farewell players dream of but rarely receive.
Four days later, wearing sky blue instead of red and black, he authored the opening chapter of a new story, one that promises to be just as compelling.
Pep Guardiola, often cautious with new arrivals, surprised many by handing Semenyo an immediate debut. Yet the decision was vindicated within minutes, as the Ghanaian forward showcased exactly why City moved swiftly to secure his signature.
Lightning Start Sets the Tone
City wasted no time asserting their dominance. From the first whistle, the tempo was ferocious, the pressing coordinated, and the intent unmistakable. Semenyo’s role on the right flank proved crucial, stretching the pitch and constantly dragging defenders out of position.
The breakthrough arrived in the 8th minute, and fittingly, it bore Semenyo’s imprint. Collecting the ball near the touchline, he drove at his marker with explosive pace before cutting inside and slipping a perfectly weighted pass into Erling Haaland’s path. The Norwegian striker made no mistake, rifling home to give City the lead.
The Etihad erupted, and Guardiola’s reaction on the touchline — a clenched fist followed by a knowing smile — spoke volumes.
From that moment on, City were unstoppable.
Semenyo Announces Himself
If the assist settled any nerves, Semenyo’s first goal for the club obliterated them. In the 21st minute, Bernardo Silva threaded a clever ball into the channel, and Semenyo burst onto it, shrugging off a defender before coolly slotting past the goalkeeper.
He didn’t celebrate wildly. Instead, he raised a single finger to the sky, a gesture that hinted at gratitude, belief and perhaps destiny.
The goal sparked a relentless spell of pressure. City moved the ball with hypnotic speed, slicing through defensive lines with ease. Kevin De Bruyne, dictating play from midfield, seemed to relish having another dynamic runner ahead of him, repeatedly finding Semenyo with inch-perfect passes.
Before halftime, City had added two more goals — one from Phil Foden after a sweeping team move, and another from Haaland, who nodded home from close range. At 4–0, the contest was effectively over, but City showed no intention of easing off.
Guardiola’s Machine in Full Flow
What made the performance particularly ominous for the rest of the league was not just the scoreline, but the control. City suffocated their opponents, recycling possession intelligently and pressing aggressively whenever the ball was lost.
Semenyo embodied Guardiola’s philosophy perfectly. His defensive work rate was as impressive as his attacking output, tracking back tirelessly and winning possession high up the pitch on multiple occasions.
In the 52nd minute, that work paid dividends. Semenyo intercepted a loose pass, surged forward and slipped the ball to Foden, who squared it for Haaland to complete his hat-trick. The roar from the crowd was deafening.
Record-Equalling Rout
As the goals continued to flow, the historical significance of the night became increasingly clear. City were closing in on a club record, and the players sensed it.
The sixth goal arrived courtesy of De Bruyne, who curled a sublime effort into the top corner from the edge of the box. The seventh — the one that equalled the record — came from Semenyo himself.
Latching onto a through ball from Rodri, Semenyo showed remarkable composure, rounding the goalkeeper and finishing into an empty net. He spread his arms wide, soaking in the adulation of the Etihad faithful, many of whom were already chanting his name.
Antoine Semenyo. Four days removed from a Bournemouth farewell. One night into his City career. Two goals, one assist, and a man-of-the-match performance.
Post-Match Reaction
Speaking after the match, Guardiola was effusive in his praise but characteristically measured.
“Antoine has qualities that fit our game,” the City manager said. “Intensity, intelligence, humility. He understands space very well. Today he showed personality — but this is just the beginning.”
Semenyo, meanwhile, struggled to hide his emotions.
“It’s hard to put into words,” he admitted. “A week ago I was saying goodbye to Bournemouth, and now I’m here living a dream. The players, the manager, the fans — they’ve made me feel at home already.”
Haaland was equally complimentary, describing his new teammate as “a nightmare to play against” and praising his selflessness in attack.
A Warning to the Rest
Beyond the individual brilliance, this performance served as a stark warning to City’s rivals. With new energy injected into an already formidable squad, Guardiola’s side look as hungry as ever.
The seamless integration of Semenyo suggests City’s recruitment strategy remains as sharp as their football. Rather than disrupting the balance, the new arrival has added another dimension — pace, power and unpredictability.
As the season gathers momentum, nights like this may come to define the title race. For now, though, the spotlight belongs firmly to Antoine Semenyo — the man who turned a fairytale farewell into a dream beginning and, in doing so, etched his name into Manchester City folklore.