Stefan Borson: Man City agreed to Antoine Semenyo terms that will hurt them in title race vs Arsenal
Manchester City have strengthened their attacking options with the addition of Antoine Semenyo.
Man City signed Semenyo from Bournemouth last week, with the deal worth an initial £62.5million and a further £1.5m in add-ons.
The Ghana international scored on his Man City debut against Exeter City on Saturday (10 January), helping his new club cruise into the FA Cup fourth round following their 10-1 victory.
Semenyo has arrived at the Etihad Stadium at a time when Pep Guardiola’s side are looking to close the gap between themselves and Arsenal at the top of the Premier League table.
The Gunners currently hold a six-point lead over Man City and Aston Villa.
Why Man City’s Antoine Semenyo agreement backfired
Former Man City financial adviser Stefan Borson exclusively told Football Insider Guardiola’s side cost themselves points in the title race by allowing Semenyo to play for Bournemouth against Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham.
The winger scored a last-minute winner in Bournemouth’s 3-2 victory over Tottenham in what was his final game for the club before completing his move to the Etihad.
Meanwhile, Man City dropped points against Sunderland, Chelsea and Brighton in their first three games of this month.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Borson said: “City agreed to let the player play against Chelsea, Arsenal and Spurs, which I think has actually cost City in the end.
“In those three games, City really could have used Semenyo because of the injuries. The fact he scores a 0.02 XG goal in the 95th minute while City failed to beat Brighton at home, cost themselves two points in the title race.
“It’s very significant, so City could have used him. They chose to do a negotiated deal, and with the benefit of hindsight, maybe that’s not ideal, but they got the player in the end.”
Semenyo could be key for Pep Guardiola in Premier League title race
It’s been a dream start to life for Semenyo at the Etihad, having shown signs he could be a key player for Guardiola.
Semenyo scored in Man City’s 2-0 victory over Newcastle United in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final clash on Tuesday (13 January).
The 26-year-old thought he grabbed a second at St James’ Park, but it was controversially ruled out for offside against Erling Haaland.
Semenyo is in line for his first taste of the Manchester derby this weekend when Guardiola’s side head to Old Trafford on Saturday (17 January).
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