Semenyo rise with incredible goal as FA Cup hero

The FA Cup often tends to produce fairytale stories and Antoine Semenyo’s sensational winning goal in this season’s final provided the latest in chapter in the storied history of the world’s oldest cup competition.

Eight years ago he was on loan at non-league Bath City, but Semenyo carved his name in Wembley folklore on Saturday with an ingenious flicked finish that will live long in the memory in an otherwise forgetful showpiece against Chelsea.

The 26-year-old joined City from Bournemouth in January and has showcased why the £62.5m paid for him was deemed excellent value in an overinflated market – his 72nd-minute strike sealing a 16th major trophy for boss Pep Guardiola and 20 pieces of silverware overall in his 10 years.

“It has happened a couple of times in training – it happened perfectly today,” Semenyo told BBC Sport. “Everything happened so fast to be honest. It came straight to me and I had to improvise myself as quickly as I could.

“I have never competed for trophies like this before, so everything is new to me. Hopefully, we can finish the job off. It is a good finish, I can’t lie.

“As a kid I have always wanted to be playing for the top teams – it took a long time to get there, but I am grateful.”

Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson added on BBC Radio 5 Live: “It was just brilliant from Antoine Semenyo. The timing of the run and the finish is incredible.

“It was either going to take a mistake or a piece of quality to break the deadlock in this game – and it was a moment of sheer quality.

“That, for me, is one of the goals of the season.”

Guardiola told Semenyo to ‘create chaos’

Italian dance group Milky have found themselves back in the charts, flying high with a version of their single Just the Way You Are, having hit the top 10 back in 2002.

And that was the tune belted out from the west section of the national stadium as the City players lifted the trophy amid the pyrotechnics, and fans rejoiced by serenading Semenyo.

The club’s latest hero joined his team-mates in a circle on the pitch at full-time before jumping up and down in delight, knowing his glorious goal will be replayed for years to come, having confirmed a cup double for City this season.

Chelsea’s plan was to sit back, soak up the pressure and look to hit City on the break. It worked for the most part and Guardiola’s side were in need of some inspiration to try to break the deadlock.

Semenyo provided just that to claim the player of the match award and add the FA Cup to the Carabao Cup triumph here in March against Arsenal, helping City become the first side to win 100% of their games across both competitions.

He made an immediate impact when arriving from Bournemouth, after City beat interest from Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham to his signature.

Netting on his debut in a 10-1 third-round trouncing of Exeter, he has been involved in more FA Cup goals than any team-mate this season.

He also did his father’s heritage proud, becoming the first Ghanaian player to score in an FA Cup final as City recovered from heartbreak in losing the past two finals against Crystal Palace and Manchester United.

“The first thing he [Pep Guardiola] said to me when I came was ‘don’t change your game’,” said Semenyo. “He knows we control the game a lot, he still wants me to be me, still create a bit of chaos.”