Ghana Star Antoine Semenyo Named Premier League Player of the Month
- Antoine Semenyo has clinched the Premier League Player of the Month Award for February after a string of outstanding performances
- The 26-year-old netted three goals and provided an assist during the month, becoming only the third Ghanaian to win the coveted prize
- Semenyo's prize comes on the back of a chastening Champions League debut against Real Madrid in midweek
Antoine Semenyo has been named the February Player of the Month in the Premier League, rewarding a remarkable first full month with Manchester City after his January move from AFC Bournemouth.
The Ghana international enjoyed a productive run during February, scoring three times and providing one assist in five league appearances.
Source: Getty Images
Semenyo wins Premier League award
His goals came against Tottenham Hotspur, Fulham and Leeds United, performances that quickly endeared him to supporters at the Etihad.
Those displays helped the forward edge out a strong field of contenders for the award.
Among the players in contention were Viktor Gyokeres (Arsenal), City teammate Nico O'Reilly, Dango Ouattara (Brentford), Benjamin Sesko (Manchester United) and Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool).
According to the Premier League, the final decision combined votes from fans through the EA Sports website with selections made by a panel of football experts.
After receiving the honour, Semenyo expressed his delight in an interview with City’s official media channels.
“This is a brilliant moment for me. To win the Premier League Player of the Month award so soon after joining City is something I’ll never forget.”
“My focus now is on continuing to improve and helping City to achieve the best possible results. We have so much to play for and I am really excited about this final period of the season.”
The recognition also places the 26-year-old among a small group of Ghanaian players to have claimed the prestigious monthly prize.
Watch highlights of Semenyo's performance in February:
Semenyo becomes only the third footballer from Ghana to receive the honour in the Premier League era, according to Opta.
Legendary striker Anthony Yeboah was the first, collecting the award twice in March and September of 1995 while playing for Leeds United.
Two decades later, Andre Ayew matched that feat in August 2015 during his time with Swansea City.
Semenyo’s milestone arrives shortly after another significant moment in his career when he made his debut in the UEFA Champions League.
That appearance came in a difficult evening against Real Madrid, where a first-half hat trick from Federico Valverde handed City a heavy defeat in Spain.
The Black Stars forward will soon have an opportunity to help his side respond when the teams meet again on March 17.
Source: Getty Images
Before that European showdown, City must shift focus back to domestic competition. West Ham United await in East London, arriving in decent form after going unbeaten in their last two matches across all competitions.
For Semenyo, the fixture also presents a personal challenge. According to Transfermarkt, he has faced the Hammers four times in the league without finding the net.
The in-form attacker will be eager to change that record as he continues to build momentum in his new colours.
Semenyo confident of comeback vs Real Madrid
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that Antoine Semenyo is among five Man City players confident of a comeback against Real Madrid in the second-leg Round of 16 clash of the Champions League.
Despite the heavy first-leg defeat, there is still strong belief in the City dressing room ahead of the decisive return leg.
Source: YEN.com.gh
