Manchester City have frequently been criticised this season for depending too heavily on Erling Haaland, but recent performances suggest that narrative may be shifting.
In Haaland’s absence due to injury, January signing Antoine Semenyo stepped up, scoring the decisive goal in a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Leeds United at Elland Road on Saturday. The win moves City to within two points of Premier League leaders Arsenal.
Since arriving from AFC Bournemouth for £62.5 million, Semenyo has netted six goals in 11 appearances, becoming the club’s leading scorer this year and helping to reduce the attacking burden on Haaland.
His impact has coincided with a strong run of form for Pep Guardiola’s side, who have won four consecutive league matches and lost just once in their last seven, intensifying the pressure on long-time leaders Arsenal.
The Gunners face Chelsea on Sunday, but with a crucial meeting against City scheduled for April, they will be increasingly aware of the champions closing in.
“It means everything,” said the 26-year-old Semenyo. “We just want to keep winning our games and see what Arsenal do. We’ll focus on what we can control and take it from there.”
After the match, Guardiola walked onto the pitch and blew kisses toward his family in the stands—an act that may also have carried a hint of defiance toward Leeds supporters, who, according to the Spaniard, directed insults at him during the game.
