Antoine Semenyo has revealed he is ready to operate as Manchester City's back-up striker behind Erling Haaland this season - but says the club have not told him that this is the plan.
Antoine Semenyo scored a brace in Manchester City's 5-3 win over Sunderland on Sunday.
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Manchester City's decision to let Omar Marmoush join Tottenham late in the summer transfer window left a clear gap in the squad.
Despite a wealth of attacking talent, Enzo Maresca's side were suddenly left without an obvious candidate to lead the line whenever Erling Haaland is absent - and the manager appears to have settled on a solution from within.
That solution is Semenyo, the versatile forward who has been City's second-biggest goal threat in 2026 after arriving from Bournemouth in January.
The Ghanaian has featured on both flanks since arriving but reminded fans exactly what he could offer through the middle with a two-goal haul as City saw off Sunderland 5-3 on Sunday.
Semenyo Ready to Step in for Haaland
Speaking to the Independent, Semenyo made it clear he would embrace the responsibility of filling in for Haaland, but suggested the idea had not been mentioned to him from within the club.
“I've heard about his back-up striker thing. I don't know where it's come from, but if I need to, then I'll do it,” the Ghana international said. “I've no problem in doing that.”
The double against Sunderland was a timely reminder that Semenyo is well equipped for such a role. A sharp finisher with the physical attributes to unsettle any defence, he hands Maresca a very different profile up front to Haaland - and one already adapted to the demands of the Premier League after his spell on the south coast.
Manchester City forward Antoine Semenyo grabbed a brace and an assist in Sunday's 5-3 win over Sunderland at the Etihad Stadium.cityxtra.co.ukSemenyo Sends Complacency Warning to Man City Teammates After Sunderland Thriller
Manchester City forward Antoine Semenyo grabbed a brace and an assist in Sunday's 5-3 win over Sunderland at the Etihad Stadium.
City did look elsewhere in midweek, handing teenager Floyd Samba a start at centre-forward in the 5-0 Carabao Cup rout of Norwich City, while both Semenyo and Haaland were rested, but the Ghanaian seems the more likely deputy when the stakes are higher.
It is a scenario City will hope does not crop up often, given Haaland's relentless scoring and nearly ever-present status, but a dependable alternative is essential if the Norwegian is to pick up an injury.
Maresca's System Suiting Semenyo
Wherever he lines up, Semenyo is thriving under Maresca and believes the Italian's approach plays to the strengths of wide attackers like himself.
“I've enjoyed it. I think for wide players, we're high and wide, and we get a lot of one-v-one situations, and he backs us to win our duels, even if you lose them, just keep going,” he added. “But collectively, it's quite similar to last year and we just need to keep improving.”
There has been plenty for the forward to enjoy so far. City have claimed wins in each of their opening five Premier League fixtures and are unbeaten in their previous seven outings across all competitions, sitting proudly atop the table. Semenyo - who assisted Haaland in the wins against Coventry and Crystal Palace - is wary of any drop in standards as the campaign wears on.
“Everyone feels good. It's where we want to be. We're not going to get too complacent, too relaxed,” he said. “We know that there's a lot more games to go. And we just want to continue winning.”
With a trip to Anfield and a Champions League meeting with Paris Saint-Germain to come after the international break, Semenyo will be hoping to carry goalscoring form into the next club fixtures with City finally back at the summit of the Premier League table.