Manchester City’s latest signing, Anthony Semenyo, is making an immediate impression at the Etihad, rekindling memories that date back nearly 17 years. The Ghanaian forward joined City last week from Bournemouth for a reported £6.5 million and marked his debut with a goal, signalling a promising start to his Premier League journey.
Semenyo continued his prolific form in the FA Cup on Saturday, helping City dismantle Exeter with a resounding 10–1 victory, where he once again found the net. His goal-scoring streak extended into his second match, as he netted the opener in City’s 2–0 win over Newcastle United in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final. By scoring in his first two appearances, Semenyo has echoed a feat last achieved by Emmanuel Adebayor in August 2009, when the Togolese striker also scored in his first two City games.
Although Semenyo struck again against Newcastle, his second goal was controversially ruled out after a lengthy VAR review, stirring debate among fans and pundits. Despite this, the young Ghanaian remains confident in his ability to cement a place in Pep Guardiola’s squad.
Semenyo commented on his rapid adaptation, saying, “The environment here is incredible. Everyone is confident and driven to achieve their best. I’ve joined a team that has welcomed me warmly and given me the confidence to perform.”
City captain Bernardo Silva also expressed frustration over the VAR decision that disallowed the team’s third goal, noting, “The match should have been 3–0. We are almost used to these situations now, but it’s very disappointing. Even in previous visits here, many decisions have gone against us.”
The second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final will take place at the Etihad on 4 February, where City will look to secure their place in the final.
Semenyo’s Early City Stats:
| Competition | Opponent | Result | Goals Scored | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premier League | Bournemouth | Debut | 1 | First City goal |
| FA Cup | Exeter | 10–1 | 1 | Contributed to rout |
| Carabao Cup | Newcastle United | 2–0 | 1 | Second consecutive match goal; one additional goal disallowed by VAR |
With his confidence growing and an immediate impact already felt, Semenyo appears poised to become a key figure in Manchester City’s attacking line-up.