MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - JANUARY 10: Antoine Semenyo of Manchester City during the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Manchester City and Exeter City on January 10, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)

Semenyo wins Man of the Match award on stellar Manchester City debut

· GhanaSoccernet

In a dream start to his Manchester City career, Ghana forward Antoine Semenyo was named Man of the Match after scoring one goal and providing an assist in his debut, a commanding 10-1 FA Cup victory over Exeter City.

The £64 million signing wasted no time making his mark, starting the match and playing a pivotal role in a dominant second-half display.

His pinpoint cross set up Rico Lewis for City's fifth goal, and minutes later, he coolly finished a through ball from Rayan Cherki to score his first goal for the club. His dynamic performance, which included a 91% pass completion rate in the opposition's half, was decisive in earning him the match's top individual honour.

Assistant coach Pep Lijnders, overseeing the team, praised the new signing's immediate impact and mentality. "Antoine is settling well. He brings something to the front line that we really need," Lijnders stated.

"He can attack quickly, wants to chase, and is a guy who doesn't stop. You see today that he can adapt quite quickly to our style."

The record-equalling win propels City into the next round with significant momentum. Having already cemented his place as a fan favourite, Semenyo will aim to carry this spectacular form into the team's upcoming Carabao Cup semi-final clash against Newcastle United.