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Pep Guardiola has delivered a glowing assessment of Antoine Semenyo following the Ghanaian forward’s first Premier League goal for Manchester City, as the champions returned to winning ways with a comfortable victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Semenyo, who joined City from AFC Bournemouth in January, found the net as the Cityzens eased past a struggling Wolves side, bouncing back from consecutive defeats against Manchester United and Bodo/Glimt. The result helped steady Guardiola’s team after a difficult week and underlined Semenyo’s growing importance at the Etihad Stadium.

The 26-year-old was restored to the starting line-up after missing the Champions League defeat to Bodo/Glimt due to registration rules. From the opening minutes against Wolves, he looked sharp and confident. Within ten minutes, Semenyo tested goalkeeper José Sá with a powerful effort, signalling his intent early on.

After Omar Marmoush opened the scoring for City, Semenyo produced his defining moment just before half-time. A clever through ball from Bernardo Silva released him into space, and with a single touch to beat his marker, he calmly guided a low finish into the corner to double City’s advantage in first-half stoppage time.

Semenyo nearly added a second goal after the break when Phil Foden picked him out in the box, but his effort crashed against the crossbar. Despite missing out on a brace, his overall display highlighted his composure, movement and growing confidence in front of goal.

Guardiola was quick to praise the forward’s impact after the match, focusing on his energy and decision-making.

“Antoine came with incredible energy — and you know the numbers, strikers are a question of numbers,” Guardiola said, as quoted by City Report. “Since he arrived, Antoine has been unbelievable. He scored a very good goal — it looks easy, but the control is perfect and he just passes the ball into the net. He also had another chance after an excellent pass and hit the crossbar.”

Since his arrival in January, Semenyo has settled rapidly into City’s attacking system. In just four appearances, he has already recorded three goals and one assist, thriving within an already competitive forward line. Across the league season, he now has 11 goals, with only Igor Thiago and teammate Erling Haaland ahead of him in the scoring charts.

Semenyo will miss Manchester City’s final Champions League league-phase match against Galatasaray, but he is expected to return for Premier League action when the champions travel to north London to face Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, February 1. The Spurs encounter will come without Mohammed Kudus, presenting another opportunity for Semenyo to continue his impressive start in City colours.

His rapid adaptation and consistent output suggest a player growing in belief and influence — a development Guardiola will be keen to nurture as the season progresses.