Pep Guardiola has described Antoine Semenyo as a "top, top player" after the Ghana forward's stunning start at Manchester City saw him surpass Anthony Yeboah's long-standing record as the highest-scoring Ghanaian in a single English top-flight season.
The 26-year-old's goal in City's dominant 3-0 victory over Fulham on Wednesday took his Premier League tally to 13 for the campaign—eclipsing the legendary Yeboah's 12-goal haul for Leeds United in 1995. Andre Ayew had matched the record in 2015/16, but Semenyo now stands alone.
Speaking after the Fulham win, Guardiola was effusive in his praise for the club's record-breaking January signing from Bournemouth.
"He has a sense of the second balls in the box but not just that—the pace and intensity—he is a top, top player," Guardiola said. "The club made a good mark signing him, and Antoine is an incredible signing."
Semenyo's impact has been nothing short of transformative. In just eight appearances since his arrival, he has registered five goals and two assists—seven goal contributions in eight games. His 13 league goals this season have come from an expected goals tally of just 7.62, underscoring a clinical edge City's wide department has often lacked.
The forward's combination of speed, sharpness in the box, and growing composure has given Guardiola a new dimension in a tightening title race. City now sit three points behind Arsenal with 13 games remaining, and Semenyo's form could prove decisive in the weeks ahead.
Upon signing for City in January, Semenyo vowed, "My best football is yet to come."
If his first eight appearances are merely the opening act, Guardiola's gamble on the Ghanaian may yet deliver the Premier League crown.
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