Antoine Semenyo has Erling Haaland aim as Man City ambition clear

Antoine Semenyo has scored four goals already since joining Manchester City and is determined to take his game to the next level at the Etihad under Pep Guardiola

Antoine Semenyo believes he can match Erling Haaland's sensational scoring impact with the Manchester City new boy pledges confident his game will improve further at the Etihad.

The 26-year-old has four goals for the Blues already, taking him to 14 for the campaign in all competitions. Haaland and Brentford's Igor Thiago are the only two players to have netted more in the Premier League this term and Semenyo is relishing being judged alongside new team-mate Haaland.

The Norwegian powerhouse has plundered more than 150 goals for City since arriving in the summer of 2022, setting a hatful of records along the way. But he has just one goal in his last eight appearances and hasn't netted from open play in the league since December 20.

Haaland was rested for the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Newcastle United in midweek, coming on for the final half hour. His replacement Omar Marmoush scored twice as City booked a Wembley date with Arsenal next month and the Egyptian is starting to stake a claim for a more regular role.

But Pep Guardiola labelled Haaland as the best striker in the world ahead of Sunday's Premier League clash at Liverpool and it seems highly likely the 25-year-old returns to the XI.

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Semenyo is also set to start and the former Bournemouth forward is relishing the pressure of shouldering some of the goalscoring burden for City.

“I have expectations for myself, so coming here I knew there was going to be that pressure of scoring the same goals as Erling," he said.

"But I feel like I’ve given myself those goals at the start of the season to compete with players of his stature. It’s (goalscoring) something that is in my blood and my DNA and I just want to keep going.

"Being on the same team (as him) is a blessing. Everyone has been welcoming. It’s a great environment to be around. We feel welcome, comfortable and we can just be ourselves. It’s being in a champion environment.

"Playing with the best players in the world and being coached by one of the best coaches in the world – it’s only going to take my game to the next level.”

City travel to Anfield on Sunday for a mouthwatering clash against Arne Slot's side. The pair have won the past eight Premier League titles between them and while both are trailing in Arsenal's wake at the moment, the fixture is still a highlight of the campaign.

“As an outsider before joining here, it was always entertaining watching City and Liverpool," added Semenyo.

"To be part of it, I’m so grateful but it’s going to be a challenge. We’re prepared for it and we’ll be fired up for it on the day. I’m looking forward to the game.”