Antoine Semenyo and James Trafford reflected on their roles in a Carabao Cup final victory.
Manchester City saw both men as useful acquisitions in the last nine months to rebuild after a trophyless season, and they demonstrated their value in a professional 2-0 win over Arsenal.
‘It gives us a boost’
Semenyo signed for Manchester City in a £62.5 million switch from Bournemouthin January before the trip to St.James’ Park for the first leg of the **Carabao Cup**semi-final. He scored the first goal of the game against Newcastle United in a 2-0 victory, and the Citizens cruised to the final.
At Wembley Stadium, Semenyo showed no fear. His opposite man, left back Piero Hincapie, had been booked for a foul on Matheus Nunes just fifteen minutes into the match, and Semenyo sensed blood. The right winger put an excellent cross into the box to find Erling Haaland at the far post, helping to shift the momentum for his side as City went on to dominate at the start of the second half.
"I just have that freedom to do what I want [on the wing], get at defenders and cause problems. I had Hincapie running around a little bit...That's just what I do! As soon as he got booked, he was backing off a lot.”
Many saw Semenyo as a man who could give the group more goals, directness and physicality in the final third. His impact has been immediate, and he hopes City can close the gap in the title race.
“It gives us a boost, gives us a confidence boost. It gives us confidence coming back after the international break and hopefully catching up.
"I feel like momentum can swing very quickly. So, we just have to do our job leading up to that game [against **Arsenal* at the **Etihad Stadium*], and hopefully we can finish off the job professionally.”
‘It’s a testament to how I believed in myself’
Trafford talked with emotion about what this triumph meant to him. The 23-year-old was signed as a replacement for Ederson, but the market opportunity of bringing in Gianluigi Donnarumma was too good to turn down. Trafford has waited for his moment, and he proved himself with three early saves.
“Obviously, big saves in the moment because it was early on. I can’t quite remember them because it was quite quick. I’m just here to play my part. And then Nico scored two: it was brilliant from him.
“It means a lot to have Pep’s faith. It’s a testament to myself I believe, through how I’ve acted in training and how I’ve acted in cup games. Every time I play, I give it my best shot and try to win. It hasn’t been easy at all (not playing regularly this season) – really, really tough at times – but I have an incredible set of people around me, the coaches.”
The City shot stopper came through the club’s academy, and he was present for the team’s last victory at Wembley in this final. It is a full circle moment that he could enjoy with his nearest and dearest.
“This moment means a lot to me, to win. Four or five years ago (2021), I was third or fourth choice when they beat Tottenham (in the Carabao Cup final). I always imagined I’d win it one day.
“This is an incredibly good feeling. All my family and friends are here. It’s a long way from north-west Cumbria so we had to win! All in about 25 people came, my younger coaches from my academy days are here too. It’s an amazing, amazing feeling. The people who are here have been with me throughout it all. It’s incredible. My mum and dad are home looking after my nephew.”