Antoine Semenyo didn’t just announce himself at Manchester City — he made history.
The £65 million signing became the first City player since Sergio Agüero in 2011 to score and assist on his debut, delivering an instant statement as Pep Guardiola’s side obliterated Exeter 10-1 in the FA Cup third round at the Etihad.
ANTOINE SEMENYO SCORES ON HIS MAN CITY DEBUT IN THE FA CUP 🔥 pic.twitter.com/sHmViAO0Cx
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) January 10, 2026
Less than 48 hours after completing his move from Bournemouth, Semenyo looked anything but new. He was direct, sharp and relentlessly involved, offering a glimpse of why City moved fast to beat off interest from Liverpool, Manchester United and Tottenham.
City were already in cruise control by the time Semenyo
struck, but his moment still mattered. After seeing an earlier effort blocked, the Ghana forward turned provider in the 49th minute as Rico Lewis volleyed home from his knockdown. Five minutes later, Semenyo had his goal — a calm, clinical finish that underlined his composure on the big stage.
That combination of goal and assist instantly placed him in elite company. Only Agüero, City’s greatest modern striker, had managed the same feat on debut.
Antoine Semenyo is the first player to both score and assist a goal on his Man City debut in all competitions since Sergio Agüero against Swansea in August 2011 🔥 pic.twitter.com/Xw7GWRRmhh
— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) January 10, 2026
Around Semenyo, City ran riot. Rodri scored for the first time since May 2024, teenagers Max Alleyne and Ryan McAidoo found the net, and Lewis added two of his own as Exeter were overwhelmed. By full-time, City had recorded their biggest win since 1987.
Guardiola watched from the stands due to suspension, but his intent was obvious — City looked dominant.
One game does not define a City career. But when you match Aguero on day one, you’ve already turned heads.
(with agency inputs)
