Antoine Semenyo is ready to play as Manchester City’s central striker if Erling Haaland is unavailable, after scoring twice in the 5-3 victory over Sunderland.
Semenyo has emerged as the most obvious alternative to Haaland in Enzo Maresca’s squad, despite normally operating as a winger. The Ghana international showed his finishing ability on Sunday as City extended their winning run to seven matches in all competitions.
“I’ve heard about his backup striker thing. I don’t know where it’s come from!” Semenyo said. “But, yes, if I need to, then I’ll do it. I’ve no problem in doing that.”
City did not sign an established replacement for Haaland during the summer, leaving Semenyo as one option should the Norway international miss matches.
The 26-year-old believes his ability in front of goal makes the role a natural fit.
“I think that just comes naturally,” he said. “Once I’m in front of the goal, I know it doesn’t move. So as long as I hit it in the corner, hit it with a good connection, I know it will go in.”
Semenyo’s goals were part of a high-scoring match in which City were repeatedly tested by Sunderland. Enzo Fernandez and Rayan Cherki also scored for the hosts, while Brian Brobbey completed a hat-trick for the visitors before Haaland added a late goal.
The result maintained City’s perfect start to the league campaign and gave them a three-point lead at the top of the Premier League. They have won every match since losing to Arsenal in the Community Shield.
Semenyo said City had expected a physical contest after Sunderland’s midweek Europa League fixture and felt the team had to adapt rather than expect to control the match throughout.
“It was a tough one. Physically, we knew it would be like that – duels, aerial balls, set-pieces,” he said.
“We knew it would be a fight, and we just needed to stick together collectively and win our individual duels and get three points, which we’ve done.
“Sometimes it is going to be like that, not every game you can control. You just have to ride the waves. We knew if we got our chances, we would score.”
Despite City’s strong start under Maresca, Semenyo said the squad remained focused on improving after only seven or eight weeks together.
“Everyone feels good,” Semenyo said. “It’s where we want to be, but we’re not going to get too complacent, too relaxed. We know that there’s a lot more games to go.”
