Antoine Semenyo issues nine-word response to disallowed Manchester City goal against Newcastle

Manchester City’s Antoine Semenyo was not afraid to hide his feelings when met by a television camera after the full-time whistle at Newcastle United on Tuesday night.

The Ghanaian forward once again found himself at the centre of attention following another influential display, as City claimed a 0-2 victory over Eddie Howe’s side in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final.

With the result giving Pep Guardiola’s side a strong platform heading into the return fixture at the Etihad Stadium next month, Semenyo’s growing impact since his arrival from Bournemouth has quickly become one of the defining talking points of the past week.

Fresh from a remarkable debut that brought both a goal and an assist in the 10-1 demolition of Exeter in the FA Cup third round, the £62.5 million signing from Andoni Iraola’s squad carried that momentum into St James’ Park. His opener gave City control and reinforced the sense that Guardiola’s decision to move quickly in the January market has already paid dividends.

However, Antoine Semenyo could have left Tyneside with even more as a second goal was ruled out by officials – a moment that drew frustration from all of a City persuasion, and followed a pattern of contentious refereeing decisions that have been a recurring theme this season.

And immediately after the full-time whistle at St James’ Park, Antoine Semenyo made sure to showcase his feelings to an on-field television camera as he exclaimed, “Second goal should’ve counted by the way, just saying.”

Addressing post-match media duties with Sky Sports, the Manchester City forward added, “The referee [Chris Kavanagh] came and spoke to me and told me what was going on. But yeah, it is what it is.”

Despite the obvious disappointment of being denied a brace in just his second appearance for his new club, Semenyo was keen to describe the positive mood around his move from Bournemouth so far.

“The whole environment here is perfect; everyone is confident and wanting to achieve the best,” said the 26-year-old. “I’ve just come into that and they’ve helped me with my confidence and made me feel welcome.”

Antoine Semenyo’s response reflects both his competitive edge and his rapid assimilation into Pep Guardiola’s squad, with his frustration at the disallowed goal balanced by a clear appreciation of the culture and standards at the club.

With a commanding two-goal advantage ahead of the second leg in early February, attention will now turn to how Pep Guardiola manages his attacking options as a date at Old Trafford now looms for City back in Premier League action.

Antoine Semenyo’s form may yet demand a permanent starting role at the Etihad Stadium, particularly given his immediate productivity and ability to thrive in high-pressure fixtures.

And as Manchester City continue their pursuit of cross-competition silverware, Semenyo’s blend of confidence and decisive end product suggests that moments like his candid nine-word response may become a familiar feature of a rapidly rising Manchester City career.