Manchester City has made a strong start to the Premier League season, winning their first five matches following a 3-0 loss to Arsenal in the Community Shield at Wembley. Ghanaian forward Antoine Semenyo, who joined City from Bournemouth in January for £62.5 million, highlighted that the squad, which has undergone significant changes in recent years, still has room to develop.

City completed nine signings over the summer transfer window, investing more than £440 million, though a substantial amount was recouped through player sales. Despite such heavy reinforcements, Semenyo emphasized that the team is still in the early stages of integrating the new additions, with about seven to eight weeks since the start of preseason.

Sunday’s 5-3 victory over Sunderland exemplified both City’s attacking prowess and potential vulnerabilities. Enzo Fernandez, acquired from Chelsea in a club-record £125 million deal, scored his first goal for City, while Rayan Cherki and Semenyo himself each contributed goals. Semenyo scored twice before Erling Haaland sealed the win late on. Sunderland striker Brian Brobbey, however, netted a hat-trick, with two goals leveling the match at different points, exposing some defensive lapses.

Semenyo described parts of the game as “riding the waves,” noting that while Manchester City’s former manager Pep Guardiola preferred dominating possession and controlling matches, the current squad sometimes faces more physical challenges that require resilience rather than complete control. “There were so many duels in the second half, much more than the first half. Sometimes it is going to be like that,” he said, referring to Sunderland’s physical style.

The 26-year-old forward, who finished last season with 17 Premier League goals split between City and Bournemouth and placed third in the Golden Boot race, suggested he is open to taking on a central striking role if called upon. New manager Enzo Maresca, who opted not to sign a new No. 9 after allowing Omar Marmoush to join Tottenham, reportedly considers Semenyo a possible backup for Haaland, although the player noted that the coach has not formally discussed this with him.

“I’ve heard about his backup striker thing. I don’t know where it’s come from but, if I need to, then I’ll do it. I’ve no problem in doing that,” Semenyo said. He described himself as a natural goalscorer, confident in his ability to finish chances when in front of goal — a quality that was evident in his two strikes against Sunderland.

Competition for places in the City lineup remains intense given the club’s substantial investment in new talent. Semenyo remarked on the “healthy competition” within the squad, acknowledging that maintaining form is essential to secure a starting role.

While Haaland’s position as the team’s primary striker appears secure, Semenyo expects to play a significant role on the wings, where he has so far enjoyed opportunities to exploit one-on-one situations and contribute to the team’s attacking dynamics. “For wide players, we’re high and wide, and we get a lot of one v one situations,” he said. “But collectively, it’s quite similar to last year, we just need to keep improving.”