Antoine Semenyo relishing new Manchester City role under Maresca

Antoine Semenyo scored twice as Manchester City continued their perfect start to the Premier League season with a 5-3 victory over Sunderland on Sunday. The win keeps City top of the table with a maximum 15 points from five games, three points clear of Arsenal.

Semenyo opened his account for the campaign with a goal just before half-time and added a second shortly after the break. His double contributed to a high-scoring affair that also saw goals from Enzo Fernández, Rayan Cherki and Erling Haaland, while Sunderland's Brian Brobbey netted a hat-trick. The result was City's fifth consecutive league win, a run that includes a 5-0 thrashing of Norwich and a 1-0 derby victory over Manchester United.

Embracing a new role

Since arriving at the club seven weeks ago, Semenyo has been deployed exclusively on the left flank by manager Enzo Maresca. The 26-year-old has started every Premier League match in that position, contributing both goals and creativity. He now has 13 goals and 13 assists in 34 total appearances for City.

Semenyo says he is enjoying the faith shown in him by his new boss and the tactical setup that allows him to thrive. "We've been together for seven or eight weeks now, so it's not been too long, but we're doing well," Semenyo said. "We're winning our games and we'll keep improving."

He highlighted the freedom wide players are given in Maresca's system to take on defenders. The role has allowed him to be a consistent threat, and his assist for Cherki's goal against Sunderland demonstrated his creative output from that area.

Ready to step in

With Erling Haaland leading the line and currently the team's top scorer with five goals this season, competition for the central striker role is fierce. Semenyo, however, has made it clear he is prepared to fill in if needed. Reports have suggested he could be considered as a backup option for Haaland.

"I've heard about his back-up striker thing. I don't know where it's come from, but yeah," Semenyo stated. "If I need to, then I'll do it. I've no problem in doing that."

This flexibility is a valuable asset for Maresca as he manages a squad competing on multiple fronts. The team's ability to score from various sources was on full display against Sunderland, with five different players getting on the scoresheet across the recent fixtures.

Maintaining momentum

City's attacking prowess has been a hallmark of their flawless start, netting 13 goals while conceding five. The squad's depth and the healthy competition for places are driving performances. The team now looks ahead to a significant test after the international break: an away trip to face Liverpool at Anfield on 11 October.

Liverpool currently sit sixth in the standings, setting the stage for a major early-season clash. City will aim to carry their formidable winning run and offensive firepower into that match, with players like Semenyo providing key options from wide areas. His adaptation and immediate impact have been a positive story in a campaign that has begun exactly as the champions hoped.

Further reading: Daily Mirror Football