Manchester city: Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has revealed that Antoine Semenyo's remarkable form was the primary reason behind his decision to bench star players Erling Haaland and Phil Foden during the Premier League match against Wolves on January 24, 2026. The decision, which initially surprised fans and pundits alike, proved effective as Semenyo played a key role in the 2-0 victory.
According to Ghana Web, the Ghanaian winger made a significant impact in the game, scoring one goal and nearly securing a second with a shot that struck the crossbar. Since joining Manchester City, Semenyo has been impressive, finding the net three times in just four matches. Guardiola emphasized that the decision to prioritize Semenyo was based on his current form, which outshined that of his teammates Haaland and Foden.
In a post-match press conference, Guardiola stated that team selection would continue to favor players delivering the best results, especially during periods of inconsistent team performances. He reassured that Haaland and Foden remain crucial to the club's future success and would feature prominently based on their performances. Guardiola praised Semenyo's energy and effectiveness, highlighting his contributions since joining the team.
Manchester City aims to close the gap with Arsenal in the Premier League title race as they strive to maintain their competitive edge and secure victories in upcoming matches.