Antoine Semenyo impresses in first game for Manchester City

Manchester City gear up for Newcastle clash in League Cup semifinal

By Web Desk
January 11, 2026
Manchester City's Antoine Semenyo celebrates scoring their sixth goal against Exeter City in FA Cup on January 10, 2026. — Reuters  

Antoine Semenyo, Manchester City's newest signing, received rave reviews from teammates and coaching staff after an impressive debut in their record 10–1 FA Cup victory over Exeter City on Saturday.

After competition from other Premier League competitors, Semenyo, a Ghanaian winger with 10 league goals and three assists this season, joined City earlier in the week.

Lijnders praised Antoine for his humility, work ethic, and ability to quickly adapt to the team’s attacking style.

"Antoine is settling well," Assistant Manager Pep Lijnders, who took charge with Pep Guardiola serving a one-game touchline ban, told reporters.

"He is a humble guy and we have followed him for a long time, but he brings something to the frontline - what we really want and what we need.

"He can attack quick, he wants to chase, he is a guy who doesn't stop. I think you see today that he can adapt quite quickly to our style.”

Semenyo slipped a weighted pass to defender Rico Lewis for City’s fifth in the 49th minute, and five minutes later, got himself on the scoresheet with a shot from inside the penalty area.

"Everybody wanted him (Semenyo), there's a reason for that and he's shown that today," Lewis told the club's official website.

"It feels like a seamless transition into the team.

"He's a really good person as well, which is another positive."

Manchester City next face Newcastle United in the first leg of the League Cup semifinal on Tuesday, before a Premier League derby clash against Manchester United on Saturday.

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