Antoine Semenyo: New signing hails ‘perfect environment’ at Man City

City’s goalscoring burden has fallen mostly on the broad shoulders of star striker Erling Haaland this season, with the Norway international netting 39 goals in 34 games for club and country.

But the prolific frontman has hit a sticky patch of late, scoring just once in his past six games and last scoring from open play against West Ham on 20 December.

Playing as a wideman mostly from the right, Semenyo’s proficiency in front of goal for Bournemouth has him on 10 Premier League goals so far this season, sitting third on the top-flight scoring charts behind new team-mate Haaland and Brentford’s Igor Thiago.

Haaland can not only expect a new avenue of goalscoring service – as showcased by Semenyo’s assist against Exeter – but that weight of finding the net can now be shared with a player who scored a total of 32 goals for the Cherries.

Semenyo adds a versatility to City by being able to play anywhere in the front three, enhancing the options available to manager Pep Guardiola.

The Ghanaian’s speed, direct running and cool finishing has already been displayed in Manchester this season, with a brilliantly taken goal against United at Old Trafford in the chaotic 4-4 draw.

Guardiola will be hoping his newest recruit can provide that sort of anarchy and unpredictability alongside the craft and vision of Phil Foden and the magic of Rayan Cherki in the final third.

City captain Bernardo Silva said: “He looks not just a very good player but also a very good guy, which fits right in with the team.

“He is a fantastic guy who wants to help us. Hopefully he can keep going.”