'Good players adapt quickly' — Guardiola praises Ghanaian star Semenyo after City win

Manchester City's victory over Wolves at the Etihad ended a frustrating winless run and served as a timely response to the recent success of league leaders Arsenal.

The standout performer was Ghanaian forward Antoine Semenyo, who doubled City’s lead just before half-time with a clinical finish.

Beyond his goal, Semenyo’s relentless work rate and tactical flexibility were exactly what Guardiola had hoped for when the club secured his £64 million signature from Bournemouth.

Guardiola highlighted how the 26-year-old’s high energy has been infectious for a squad that had looked fatigued in recent weeks.

“I’m really pleased for him. He came with a lot of energy, and strikers are a question of numbers. Since he arrived, he has been unbelievable,” Guardiola said.

“He made a good goal; it looks easy, but the control is perfect—passing the ball into the net. He made other chances, too, and even hit the crossbar.”

Guardiola famously added that he still counts a goal Semenyo scored against Newcastle that was disallowed by VAR, noting that the striker’s "real" tally is even higher than the official statistics suggest.

While Semenyo sparked the attack, Marc Guéhi provided the defensive stability City had been missing. Making his home debut following a £20 million switch from Crystal Palace, the England international looked every bit the leader Guardiola demanded.

“The captain of Crystal Palace has to be something special,” Guardiola remarked.

“I’m really pleased for him. He is so demanding of us to do better. Good players adapt quickly and understand the game, so that’s why they are impressing.”