Antoine Semenyo celebrating with Rayan Cherki
Antoine Semenyo made a bright start to his Manchester City career with a goal and an assist against Exeter City, just four days after joining the club.
The Ghanaian forward completed a transfer from Bournemouth last Friday and was thrown straight into action in the FA Cup third-round game against Exeter City where he impressed in a 10-1 FA mauling of the League One side.
Semenyo showed early signs of why City decided to spend £65m to bring him to Etihad Stadium.
He became a fans’ favourite during his three years on the south coast and a goal and assist on his first start will go a long way to ensuring supporters at his new club take to him in the same way.
The Ghanaian was named man of the match in a contest where City racked up double figures for the first time under Pep Guardiola.
It was City’s biggest victory since a 10-1 Second Division thrashing of Huddersfield in 1987, and biggest in the FA Cup since a 12-0 qualifying round win over Liverpool Stanley while playing as Ardwick in 1890-91.
It was also the biggest FA Cup win from a top-flight side since Tottenham Hotspur beat Crewe 13-2 in a fourth-round replay in 1960.
With boss Guardiola serving a one-game touchline ban for receiving three yellow cards, assistant Pep Lijnders stood in for duties during the game and post-match.
“I think a lot of good performances today,” said Lijnders. “A lot of good individual performances. I think when the team plays like that it becomes easier for the individual, but Antoine is settling well.
“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. It’s nice to have him with us.”