By Nadia Ntiamoah
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has lavished praise on Ghanaian forward Antoine Semenyo, describing his impact at the club as “incredible” following another match-winning performance in the Premier League title race.
Semenyo once again proved decisive on Saturday, scoring the only goal in City’s hard-fought 1–0 victory over Leeds United at Elland Road.
The narrow win ensured the defending champions maintained pressure on the league leaders with just ten crucial fixtures remaining in the campaign.
Since arriving in January from AFC Bournemouth, the Ghana international has enjoyed a remarkable run of form, quickly embedding himself within Guardiola’s tactical system and emerging as a key attacking outlet.
Reflecting on Semenyo’s contribution after the game, Guardiola admitted that even he has been impressed by the speed of the forward’s adaptation.
“When you buy players, always the intention, but you never know; the impact [of Semenyo] has been really good, not just in terms of goals,” Guardiola said, acknowledging that the 24-year-old’s influence extends beyond his finishing ability to his overall work rate and tactical discipline.
Semenyo’s goal against Leeds added to what has become a standout Premier League campaign.
The Ghanaian now boasts 14 goals and four assists in 27 league appearances this season — numbers that highlight both consistency and growth since stepping up to one of Europe’s elite sides.
His emergence has also come at a critical period for City, particularly with uncertainty surrounding the return of star striker Erling Haaland.
Guardiola conceded he remains unsure about when the Norwegian will be back from injury.
“I wish [Haaland] would come back; I don’t know [when he will be back],” the City boss added, hinting that Semenyo could shoulder even greater responsibility in the coming weeks
