Semenyo steals show as Man City hit 10 pass Exeter

Having signed off at Bournemouth in fairytale fashion, Antoine Semenyo started life at Manchester City in a similarly dreamy manner just four days later by stealing the show in a record-equalling win for the club.

The forward completed a transfer from the Cherries on Friday and, although it was Exeter City in front of him for his debut, the 26-year-old duly impressed in a 10-1 FA Cup third-round 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.

Semenyo’s beaming smile at full-time was as bright as the stadium floodlights after playing a major part in his side’s rampant and ruthless success.

Star striker Erling Haaland played only the first 45 minutes, missing Semenyo’s goal contributions, but will be licking his lips at the service he may well receive from City’s new recruit.

Credit: bbc.com

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