Pep Guardiola tips, mentality shift - Antoine Semenyo is thriving at Man City

Manchester City forward Antoine Semenyo spoke about his start following a January move from Bournemouth as the Blues chase Arsenal.

Antoine Semenyo had a big smile on his face even after half a dozen interviews following Manchester City's win over Leeds - and with good reason. Not only had he won at Elland Road for the first time in his career but his goal has pushed Pep Guardiola's side three points closer to their goal.

It has been an incredible start to life at City for Semenyo following his January switch from Bournemouth. Erling Haaland joked that the former Bournemouth man wouldn't pass to him as they both chase the Golden Boot, but Semenyo deputised well for City's No.9 at Leeds with a poacher's finish at a key moment in the game for his sixth goal for his new team.

Semenyo is happy to contribute in any way he can, but his ambition for this season goes well beyond how many times he can put the ball in the net. Having been catapulted into this title race, the 26-year-old is revelling in it as he embraces the shift in pressure.

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"In the month and a bit that I've been here, the mentality shift has just been win-win-win-win-win, and when we are winning, defend like our lives depend on it," he said. "You could see at the end of the game. Bodies on the line, relentless running. It was a transitional games of moments. We wanted to do everything we could to keep the clean sheet and we did it. At the end of the game, just dead bodies everywhere.

"I've always wanted to compete for all the trophies and I've got here now so it's just about playing with the guys, making sure that I've got focus and am at the top of my game. I want to win every game and hopefully see what happens.

"We definitely enjoy it. We'll have a meeting tomorrow and go over little things from the game but we definitely enjoy it today and hopefully it's in our favour and Arsenal lose. We'll enjoy it and we're happy with the three points.

"I came open-minded. I just want to contribute in the best way that I can so if I am scoring goals then great but we just leave it at that. There's bigger things that we're looking to achieve as a team and obviously as individuals but we just want that title. That's the most important thing for me."

To the annoyance of City, Arsenal did not lose on Sunday as they narrowly beat Chelsea 2-1 to move five points clear at the top of the table, having played an extra game. But the Blues will take heart from their position with ten matches to go, and are undeniably stronger with new recruits Semenyo and Marc Guehi.

City also have the advantage of having serial winner Guardiola leading them, and he has already had an impact on Semenyo. As he learns on the job, it will only help City in their pursuit of multiple trophies this season.

"He's properly passionate," said Semenyo. "You learn so much from him, just so many ideas that he has that us players wouldn't think of. That same passion from the manager that has been winning for years and celebrates like it's his first, that's the passion we carry in the game so it's perfect.

"When I'm on the ball going forward and trying to attack it's not always about going 100mph. It's about being calm, relax, and then start getting the wheels in motion. It's just being more calm in my game because I like to go at 100mph sometimes so that's a big learning curve for me but I'm picking it up really quickly."

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