Antoine Semenyo admitted the victory over Leeds United could prove decisive in the closing weeks of the Premier League campaign, as Manchester City continue their pursuit of leaders Arsenal.
City required patience and composure at Elland Road, eventually claiming a narrow 1-0 success thanks to Semenyo’s effort deep into first-half stoppage time.
The forward’s intervention arrived at a crucial moment, rewarding a flowing attacking move and ensuring Pep Guardiola’s side stayed firmly in the title conversation.
Leeds, full of intensity and belief, tested City throughout an absorbing first half. The home side carved out several clear-cut openings but were unable to convert their dominance into goals. Their profligacy was punished moments before the interval.
Semenyo found the breakthrough two minutes into added time, finishing confidently after an intricate exchange that involved Rayan Ait-Nouri and Rayan Cherki.
The move cut through Leeds’ defensive lines and underlined City’s ability to produce quality in decisive moments.
It proved to be the only goal of the contest, though the drama was far from over. Leeds mounted sustained pressure in the final stages, committing bodies forward in search of an equaliser.
However, City’s defence remained resolute under mounting tension, repelling crosses and blocking attempts to preserve a slender yet priceless advantage.
The result ensures City remain within touching distance of Arsenal, who are scheduled to face Chelsea on Sunday. With only a handful of fixtures left this season, every point carries enormous weight in what is shaping up to be a gripping title race.
For Semenyo, the importance of the win was unmistakable. Speaking shortly after the final whistle, he reflected on what the three points could mean in the broader context of the campaign.
“We just need to control what we can control,” he told SkySport after the match according to City Xtra
While the pressure of chasing down the league leaders continues to build, Semenyo insisted City’s approach is straightforward — focus internally and leave the permutations to others.
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The former Bournemouth forward said the victory “means everything!”
“We just want to win all our games, and whatever Arsenal do we’ll just have to wait and see. We just need to control what we can control, win our games, and we’ll see what happens.”
City’s mindset, according to Semenyo, is centred on consistency rather than distraction.
Saturday’s encounter illustrated precisely why that mentality is required. Leeds’ relentless pressing and energy unsettled City for long spells, forcing them to defend with discipline and remain alert.
Yet even when chances were scarce and space limited, they demonstrated the clinical edge that can separate champions from challengers..
The title race now edges into its final stretch, tension rising with each passing week. For City, the formula remains simple: accumulate maximum points and apply pressure. As Semenyo made clear, the rest is out of their hands.
