Antoine Semenyo Scores Brace as Manchester City Maintain Perfect Start in Eight-Goal Thriller Against Sunderland

Ghana international Antoine Semenyo delivered a standout performance, scoring twice to help Manchester City secure a pulsating 5-3 victory over Sunderland at the Etihad Stadium. The win, coming in an eight-goal thriller, ensures that Enzo Maresca’s side maintains their perfect start to the Premier League season with five consecutive victories. While the defending champions dominated large portions of the match, they were pushed to their limits by a resilient Sunderland side in a contest that showcased both attacking flair and defensive drama.

The match began with City asserting their authority early on. Goals from Enzo Fern!ndez and Rayan Cherki, alongside Semenyo’s first strike of the afternoon, appeared to put the hosts in a commanding position. However, Sunderland’s Brian Brobbey emerged as a significant threat, netting a clinical hat-trick to keep the visitors within touching distance. Brobbey’s first two goals repeatedly brought the Black Cats level at 1-1 and 2-2, challenging City’s defensive structure and momentarily quieting the home crowd.

The second half saw Semenyo restore City’s lead with a crucial second goal, underscoring his growing influence in the squad’s attacking rotation. Despite the cushion, Sunderland continued to pressure, reducing the deficit to 4-3 and threatening a late equalizer. The momentum nearly shifted when Sunderland appeared destined to score a fourth, only for a spectacular acrobatic clearance from R!ben Dias on the goal line to preserve City’s narrow advantage. This defensive intervention proved pivotal, allowing the champions to weather the storm in the closing stages.

Erling Haaland eventually settled the nerves at the Etihad, scoring his first-ever Premier League goal against Sunderland to make it 5-3 and put the result beyond doubt. For Semenyo, the brace further cements his status as a key asset for both club and country, as the Black Stars forward continues to find the net with consistency in England’s top flight. As Manchester City look ahead to their upcoming fixtures, the blend of Semenyo’s clinical finishing and the team’s overall offensive depth remains a formidable challenge for any opponent in the league.