Semenyo ready to be Haaland's understudy after brace keeps City perfect in 5-3 Sunderland thriller
Semenyo steps up as City's perfect start rolls on
Antoine Semenyo has no qualms about standing in for Erling Haaland at Manchester City — and his latest display gave him every reason for confidence. The Ghana international scored either side of half-time as City edged a thrilling 5-3 win over Sunderland on Sunday, preserving their 100% Premier League record heading into the international break.
With City having opted not to sign another recognised striker in the summer transfer window, questions have been raised about who would deputise for Haaland if needed — and Semenyo is happy to volunteer.
"I've heard about his backup striker thing. I don't know where it's come from! But, yes, if I need to, then I'll do it. I've no problem with doing that," Semenyo said, as quoted by ESPN.
Numbers to rival Haaland
Since joining from Bournemouth in January, Semenyo has scored 13 goals in 34 appearances for City in all competitions — a tally bettered at the club only by Haaland's 19 goals in 32 games. His finishing has been remarkably clinical too: he has overperformed his expected goals (xG) total of 7.74 by +5.26, a greater margin than any other City player, while his conversion rate of 20.6% edges even Haaland's 20.4%.
"I think that [finishing] just comes naturally. Once I'm in front of the goal, I know it doesn't move. So as long as I hit it in the corner with a good connection, I know it will go in," he added.
Against Sunderland, Semenyo also laid on an assist for Rayan Cherki, making it the fourth time in his career — and the second as a City player — that he has both scored and assisted in the same Premier League game.
Cherki thriving alongside him
Cherki is another City attacker enjoying an outstanding start to the season, the Frenchman showing quick feet inside the Sunderland area to score City's second goal. His six goal involvements in all competitions this term (four goals, two assists) are the second-most of any City player, behind only Haaland's seven goals.
"I'm very happy because it was the goal to make it 2-1. I needed to help my team-mates," Cherki told City's website. "I want to give them good passes."
"I need to score a lot of goals for my team. I love the fans. And I think the fans saw a big game, so I'm very happy about that," he said.
Liverpool test awaits after the break
City now have three weeks off before travelling to Anfield to face Liverpool in their next Premier League game on October 11, having started a top-flight season with five straight wins for only the fifth time (after 1912-13, 2015-16, 2016-17 and 2023-24).
"Everyone feels good. It's where we want to be, but we're not going to get too complacent or too relaxed. We know there are a lot more games to go," Semenyo said. "We just want to continue winning; we just have to keep going. It's seven or eight weeks we've been together now, so it's not been too long, but we're doing well. We're winning our games, and we'll keep improving."