Man City needed five goals to see off Sunderland at the Etihad Stadium, with Antoine Semenyo at the heart of their attacking display.
The 26-year-old scored twice and provided an assist as Enzo Maresca’s side won a remarkable Premier League game 5-3, maintaining their perfect start of five victories from five.
Brian Brobbey scored a hat-trick for Sunderland and ensured City were never allowed to relax, but Semenyo repeatedly caused problems at the other end.
Three direct goal contributions made it a hugely productive afternoon for the City forward.
Semenyo scores twice as Man City beat Sunderland
Semenyo’s contribution went beyond his two goals.
His pace and direct running troubled Sunderland throughout, particularly when the game opened up and City found space to attack. He also created one of City’s other three goals to complete an excellent individual display.
The importance of those contributions became increasingly obvious as the afternoon unfolded. Brobbey’s hat-trick meant City needed all five of their goals to preserve their perfect Premier League record.
It was hardly the controlled home victory Maresca would have wanted, but Semenyo was one of the main reasons City came through it.
Semenyo makes his mark for Maresca
There was plenty for Maresca to dislike despite the result.
Conceding three times at home will concern him, with Sunderland repeatedly finding ways to threaten a City defence that struggled to contain Brobbey.
Semenyo’s performance was considerably easier to enjoy.
Two goals and an assist represented his biggest contribution yet and showed his value in a game that became increasingly stretched. His ability to attack from different positions also gave Sunderland problems they never really solved.
City’s fifth successive league victory also saw Maresca reach a rare Premier League milestone at the beginning of his time at the Etihad.
On an afternoon when City needed almost everything their attack could give them, Semenyo delivered.
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