Manchester City's FA Cup hero Antoine Semenyo has revealed there will be no wild celebrations after their Wembley triumph, with the Premier League title still very much in the balance. The former Bournemouth forward scored a stunning backheel to secure the trophy for Pep Guardiola's side on Saturday, but the squad is already focused on the upcoming league fixtures.
Semenyo's Stunning Strike and Guardiola's Instructions
Speaking to BBC Sport after the match, Semenyo described his goal: "It has happened a couple of times in training - it happened perfectly today. Everything happened so fast to be honest. It came straight to me and I had to improvise myself as quickly as I can." The 26-year-old, who joined City last summer, admitted he is still getting used to competing for silverware: "I have never competed for trophies like this before, so everything is new to me. Hopefully, we can finish the job off."
Semenyo also revealed Pep Guardiola's first words to him when he arrived at the club: "The first thing he said to me when I came was 'don't change your game'. He knows we control the game a lot, he still wants me to be me, still create a bit of chaos."
Richards vs Rooney: The Celebration Debate
Semenyo's comments come after a heated debate between Micah Richards and Wayne Rooney live on BBC. Richards, a former City defender, argued that the players should be allowed to celebrate their FA Cup victory. However, Rooney disagreed, stating: "They've got two games to win the Premier League. Wait until then."
City currently sit two points behind leaders Arsenal with two games remaining, including a tricky trip to Bournemouth on Tuesday. Semenyo confirmed the squad's focus: "I don't think there will be much celebrations tonight, it is getting ready for Tuesday."
Guardiola's Cautious Approach
City boss Pep Guardiola also played down any thoughts of a party. Speaking after the match, he said: "We would love to celebrate it when we come back to Manchester but I think there is a celebration next Monday, a parade with the women's team who won the league. We will celebrate the two trophies and we'll see. If we can extend hope until the last game at home against Aston Villa."
In a separate interview with BBC Sport, Guardiola added: "Not even one [celebration]. You know Bournemouth (away on Tuesday). That will be even tougher. Try to go there and get a result."
City's quest for a second consecutive Premier League title continues, with the squad fully aware that any slip-up could prove costly. The message from Guardiola and the players is clear: the job is not yet done.
