After scoring once more in Man City’s victory over Newcastle, Pep Guardiola commends Antoine Semenyo.
Antoine Semenyo, a Ghanaian attacker who continued his explosive start at Manchester City with another impactful performance in the Carabao Cup, has received a ton of praise from Pep Guardiola.
After completing a five-and-a-half-year transfer from AFC Bournemouth earlier this season, Semenyo scored his first goals for City against Exeter City over the weekend. He continued to play well in Tuesday night’s first leg of the semi-final against Newcastle United.
Shortly after halftime, the 26-year-old broke the stalemate with the first goal in City’s 2-0 triumph at St James’ Park. Ryan Cherki then clinched the win in stoppage time.
Guardiola was delighted by his team’s improvement after the restart, especially in attack, even if he noted that his team struggled for flow in the first half.
“They-Semenyo and Erling Haaland- were not completely connected. They were not ready to get that ball,” Guardiola told Sky Sports after the game.
“Second half, they were ready. We know Bournemouth did an incredible job with him [Semenyo], and every time the ball arrives at him, he is always there.”
Semenyo appeared to have added a second goal, only for it to be ruled out following a VAR review. Guardiola offered a measured response to the decision, stressing the need for focus as the competition reaches its decisive stage.
“Four officials and VAR were not able to make the decision; they had to go to the referee. We know how it works, and that will make us stronger. It’s the semi-finals. We play a lot to reach the finals,” he added.
The goal took Semenyo’s tally to 12 in all competitions this season, and he will look to sustain his impressive momentum when City turn their attention to Saturday’s Manchester derby against Manchester United.
