Manchester City forward Antoine Semenyo grabbed a brace and an assist in Sunday's 5-3 win over Sunderland at the Etihad Stadium.
Antoine Semenyo grabbed a brilliant brace against Sunderland on Sunday afternoon.
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The 26-year-old has made a fast start to life under Enzo Maresca, picking up right where he left off in his first six months at Manchester City under Pep Guardiola, who left the club in May.
City have won seven out of seven games in all competitions this season and maintained their perfect record in the Premier League against Regis Le Bris and co, coming out on top in an eight-goal thriller.
Enzo Fernandez opened the scoring with a clever free-kick to mark his first goal in Manchester City colours since joining from Chelsea for £125 million on deadline day.
Sunderland levelled but Rayan Cherki made it two with a calm, composed finish after being teed in by Semenyo, only for the visitors to strike back again.
City entered the interval ahead after Semenyo hammered home to build on his impressive start to the season, scoring another on the cusp of the hour mark.
The Black Cats fought back to make it 4-3 but Erling Haaland sealed the three points for the Blues, who go top of the Premier League table - three points clear of reigning champions Arsenal.
The Etihad Stadium was treated to an an eight-goal thriller on Sunday afternoon that went in the way of Manchester City, who remain perfect in the Premier League under Enzo Maresca.cityxtra.co.ukMatch Report and Player Ratings: Man City 5-3 Sunderland (Premier League)
The Etihad Stadium was treated to an an eight-goal thriller on Sunday afternoon that went in the way of Manchester City, who remain perfect in the Premier League under Enzo Maresca.
A Tough Battle, They Made it Difficult - Semenyo on Sunderland Win
Speaking to official Manchester City media after the win, Semenyo praised the opposition and admitted they made it very challenging for City.
"If you’re winning at the end, you definitely enjoy [games like that]," the Ghana international saidl. "A tough battle, they made it difficult. We held on together as a team. They’ve made it tough against every team they’ve faced so far. We’re just happy with the three points."
City are on a roll and have firmly turned the ship around since a 3-0 Community Shield loss to Arsenal in mid-August. "It’s been good so far. We don’t want to get too complacent," Semenyo added.
"We will come back from the international break and go again. It’s been amazing. Enzo [Maresca] has come in and everyone is adjusting and we’re building a nice culture."
What is Next for Semenyo and Man City?
The international break beckons at a pivotal time for Maresca and Manchester City, who will face Liverpool at Anfield and Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League upon their return.
City officials will be delighted with the club's start to the season, particularly with how well the contingent of late arrivals - Fernandez, Iliman Ndiaye, Allan Elias and Ayyoub Bouaddi - have adapted to life at the Etihad Stadium.
There is an air of positivity around the club and many would argue that Maresca has started much better than even the most optimistic supporters would have predicted, given the scale of the squad rebuild over the recent transfer window.
Semenyo will play a crucial role in attack for Maresca as Manchester City vie for silverware on all fronts - and why shouldn't they? They have the squad, the strength in depth now certainly, and despite losing as many leaders in the dressing room as they did this summer, Maresca's new leadership group have so far steered the ship in the right direction.