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By BEN WILLCOCKS, ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR and TAMARA PRENN, SENIOR SPORTS REPORTER Published: 03: 19 AEDT, 11 January 2026 | Updated: 03: 56 AEDT, 11 January 2026 156 View comments Antoine Semenyo opened his goal-scoring account at Manchester City just over 24 hours after making his move to the Premier League giants from Bournemouth, netting in a 10-1 win over Exeter City. The forward moved to the Etihad in a £62. 5million deal to kick off the January transfer window, after Pep Guardiola's side won the race for his signature. A day later and Semenyo was in Guardiola's starting line-up, registering two assists before finding the back of the net himself against League One side Exeter City. Still wounded by Wednesday's disappointing 1-1 draw with Brighton, which saw them fail to close the gap on Premier League leaders Arsenal at the top, City ran riot in the FA Cup third round as Guardiola rang the changes. Max Alleyne and Rodri fired City two ahead before a pair of own goals from the visitors just before the break gave Guardiola's side a comfortable 4-0 lead heading into the second half. The hosts continued their onslaught after half time with Rico Lewis making it five in the 49th minute, before Semenyo got in on the action with his first for the club. Antoine Semenyo opened his goal-scoring account at Manchester City against Exeter City The Ghanaian struck on an afternoon which saw City hit 10 goals past the League One club Tijjani Reijnders, Nico O'Reilly and Ryan Mc Aidoo made it nine before George Birch gave Exeter fans something to celebrate with a 90th-minute consolation goal. But City, determined to have the last laugh, scored a tenth through Lewis again in stoppage time to cap off an astonishing performance. The Ghanaian international, 26, was the Premier League's most wanted man after details of his release clause emerged and attracted interest from the likes of Chelsea, Liverpool and Man United ahead of the January transfer window. But City acted quickly to seal his £62. 5m move, signing the ex-Cherries man on a five-and-a-half year contract. The former Premier League champions will hope Semenyo can bolster Guardiola's attack as the club fights to close the gap on leaders Arsenal, who are six points clear. 'I am so proud to have joined Manchester City. I have watched City over the last decade under Pep Guardiola, and they have been the dominant team in the Premier League as well as achieving amazing things in the Champions League, FA Cup and League Cup, ' Semenyo said on Friday. 'They have set the highest of standards and it's a club with world-class players, world-class facilities and one of the greatest managers ever in Pep. I have so much scope for improvement, so to be at this club, at this stage of my career, is perfect for me. It's a real privilege to be here. 'My best football is yet to come, I am sure of that. And City are in a great position – still involved in four competitions. I really feel I can help them have a strong second half of the season. Semenyo signed for Man City from Bournemouth on a five-and-a-half year deal on Friday He bowed out of Bournemouth with a 94th-minute winner against Tottenham on Wednesday 'The Etihad is my new home. I can't wait to play in front of the fans here and I hope to show everyone what I can do. ' Semenyo secured a fairytale ending with Bournemouth on Wednesday evening, scoring the winning goal in the 95th-minute to secure his side's 3-2 victory over Tottenham at the Vitality Stadium. He arrived in Manchester after flying out of the south coast on a black private jet at around 7. 18am on Thursday morning. City have agreed an initial fee of £62. 5million with Bournemouth plus add-ons and sell-on percentage. The forward has shone for Bournemouth, scoring 10 goals in 21 appearances this season after scoring 13 in 42 last campaign.
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