Can Semenyo help City catch Arsenal?

Summary

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The Athletic FC Podcast

Episode: Can Semenyo help City catch Arsenal?
Date: January 8, 2026
Host: Ayo Akimolere
Guests: Sam Lee (Man City correspondent), Michael Brown (former Man City midfielder)

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Overview

In this episode, host Ayo Akimolere is joined by Sam Lee and Michael Brown to dissect Manchester City's stuttering title challenge, the impact of recent signings like Antoine Semenyo, and whether City can realistically catch Arsenal at the top of the table. Amidst discussions of City's dropped points and tactical evolution under Pep Guardiola, the panel evaluates gaps in the squad, how the recruitment of Semenyo could shift dynamics, and the club's ongoing rebuild both on and off the pitch.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Manchester City's Recent Form & Missed Chances

(01:08 - 04:23)

• Sam Lee identifies City's wastefulness in their draw with Brighton, referencing missed chances by Silva and Haaland:

  • "The chances that they missed were so obvious... if Haaland just puts that away, then okay, they've still got problems with the defense and fatigue in the squad. But they just needed to win last night." (01:51)

• Highlights that although City's performance wasn't terrible, their inability to finish crucial opportunities cost them points.

• Ayo Akimolere frames the context: City are now five points behind Arsenal, who still must play Liverpool.

• Michael Brown reflects on Pep's post-match tone, noting the manager’s outward positivity in public:

  • "Pep's reaction... is he trying to psychologically give the confidence to the team... we've seen pep sides win 4-0 and still be critical." (03:09)

Memorable Quote:

• Michael Brown, on City's performance: "The last couple of games, just as it looks like City were going really well, have faulted. I think defensive backline is there for all to see of how frail that is." (03:49)

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2. City’s Tactical Evolution & Loss of Control

(04:23 - 07:49)

• Sam Lee: Discusses shifts in City’s playing style—less control, more energy and dynamism:
  • "They can't play out from the back anywhere near like they used to. They've just brought in players who don't do that… Like Donnarumma. Going to give you loads of saves, but he's terrible with the build up." (04:42–05:34)
• Emphasizes the team's adaptation to the physicality of the Premier League but admits that, despite more pace, City have lost the ability to reliably 'flick a switch' and dominate possession.
• Exhaustion and lack of rotation have contributed to recent staleness:
  • "They've played the same 11, 12 players for two months… I think they've all just got a bit of mental fog or physical fog." (06:38)
• Foden and Cherki highlighted as examples of creative output that has recently stalled.

Memorable Exchange:

• Michael Brown gently challenges Sam’s criticism of Donnarumma’s buildup play:
  • Brown: "But I think he's done okay, to be fair, Sam."
  • Lee: "The balls are behind defenders… it's fine because he brings loads of stuff to the team. [But] they're not going to keep the ball more. It's more pace, but it's more energy." (05:30–06:01)

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3. Can City Still Go on a Winning Run?

(07:49 - 10:05)

• Ayo Akimolere asks if this City team still has the confidence and capability to string together a title-winning run after recent draws.
• Michael Brown believes City retain that potential but raises defensive injuries as a critical weakness:
  • "Can they go on a run? Yes... It's going to depend on the two centre halves now. Do they have to go into the window?" (08:27)
• Notes the importance of squad depth, Rodri’s return, and tactical flexibility, but underscores centre-back and fullback vulnerabilities.

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4. Antoine Semenyo Signing: Impact & Psychology

(12:37 - 17:19)

• News breaks that City have reached a £62.5m deal for Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo, paid over 24 months.
• Sam Lee on Semenyo’s fit:
  • "Right now they need somebody who could put their foot on the ball and help them keep it. But that's not to say he's not going to be useful. He is going to be useful. They're obviously adding in dynamism and pace and physicality." (13:56)
• He regards Semenyo as "so unpredictable... both feet, not a problem. Defenders don't know what they're going to do."
• Michael Brown raises that defense remains a more urgent concern for many fans than another attacker.

Notable Banter:

• Lighthearted interruption as Lee apologizes for his running washing machine at home.

  • Brown jokes: "He's brought his washing machine to work. I mean, you're supposed to be at work here, doing a little bit, you journalists sit at home, do washing." (13:31)

• Discussion on squad psychology:

  • Brown: "When you see someone come in, it is a big lift, the training ups... But yeah, it can be quite hurtful... That's the top end, isn't it?" (17:50)

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5. Squad Management, Player Mindsets & Rotation

(17:19 - 21:13)

• Ayo asks from a player perspective: How does another big signing affect the mood among existing attackers?
• Michael Brown: Recalls his own playing days—competition pushes standards but can also unsettle and demotivate.
• "Most of these players will get better under Pep Guardiola if they've been given the chance and the opportunity, but... I can't be left out. I can't play one week then not the next." (20:12)

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6. City’s Transfer Strategy, Wage Bill & Financial Context

(27:12 - 31:10)

• Ayo notes with the Semenyo signing, Man City have spent about £460m since last January.
• Sam Lee: This rebuild was necessary to overhaul the squad after lots of core players left ("They had to rebuild the team. Grealish has left on loan, Akanji's left, De Bruyne has left, Gundogan's left, Ederson's left—five major players that won the treble"). (27:50)
  • Also highlights that the club aimed to lower the wage bill while refreshing the squad.
• Michael Brown: Argues City's player sales fly under the radar, noting "all the academy players that have been sold, they just go under the radar." (29:01)

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7. Premier League Experience vs Imports

(30:45 - 32:54)

• Ayo asks about the importance of Semenyo’s PL experience.
• Michael Brown: Many of City’s recent signings have been promising but unproven in England ("You look at Mahmoud, Gonzalez, beyond Cherki, a lot of those players are wonderful, but… very few have played the Premier League. You'd have to go back as far as Grealish.") (30:45)
• Brown admits some signings from last window were underwhelming, especially those not ready to feature immediately.

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8. Defensive Problems & January Priorities

(32:54 - 36:27)

• Ayo and Sam Lee: With Gvardiol and Dias injured, City are turning to young, less proven defenders—risky when chasing a relentless Arsenal.
• Sam Lee: "If they're going to buy a defender this month, which I think they do need to do, he's going to have to fit in long term... They've got to be good to go straight away." (33:01)
• Michael Brown adds that Nathan Ake is essential for stability, but Pep's decisions are often deeper than they appear to the outside ("That would have been the question... why two of the youngsters when Ake is available?" (34:23)).
• Praise for Gvardiol's attacking contribution as a defender.

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9. Title Race: Can City Catch Arsenal?

(36:27 - 39:45)

• Ayo: Sets up the big question—can City realistically catch Arsenal, especially if their lead grows to eight points?
• Michael Brown: "Of course they can. That's what I'm gonna say. Of course they can." (36:52)
  • Stresses Pep's past success in closing gaps and the psychological pressure that still exists for Arsenal.
• Sam Lee: More measured—says "I've always thought they could do it... [but] without the centre backs it's like that makes it harder... My concern is obviously without the two defenders, they don't look like they did a week ago" (37:55)
• Both agree that while the odds have lengthened, City aren't out of it—especially with previous experience, Pep’s expertise, and the potential for fixture swings.

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Notable Quotes & Moments

• Sam Lee (07:54): "Six months worth of thoughts."
• Michael Brown (19:56): "[At] this level now, the players just realize that if they're not on top of it either, there's two players for each position..."
• Sam Lee (27:50): "The headline figure, the money they've spent. They had to rebuild the squad... five major players that won the treble [gone]..."
• Michael Brown (36:52): "Of course they can. That's what I'm gonna say. Of course they can."
• Sam Lee (37:55): "I've always thought they could do it. I've always thought they would do it. Obviously... if they go to eight points tonight it looks bad. But it's 8th of January and people have been making this mistake all year."
• Michael Brown (39:26): "That's a yes, what he's saying. He's going round, yes, of course they can. He's not going to go against it because he goes in that press room."
• Sam Lee (13:54): "Where are we, Sam? Before the washing machine interrupted us. No, it's fine. It's on pause now, mate. Nothing could possibly go wrong."

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• Title Race & Brighton Draw Analysis: 01:08–04:23
• Tactical Evolution & Squad Energy: 04:23–07:49
• City's Ability to Go on a Run: 07:49–10:05
• Semenyo Signing News & Impact: 12:37–17:19
• Squad Mindsets & Rotation: 17:19–21:13
• Squad Rebuild & Financial Context: 27:12–31:10
• Premier League Experience Discussion: 30:45–32:54
• Defensive Injuries & January Priorities: 32:54–36:27
• City’s Title Prospects vs Arsenal: 36:27–39:45

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Tone and Dynamics

The discussion is deeply analytical but lively, with Sam Lee and Michael Brown offering expertise from journalistic and player perspectives, peppered with banter and realism about the pressures at Manchester City. The episode is candid, occasionally irreverent (e.g., the unexpected "washing machine" break), and always rooted in the current realities facing City as they chase Arsenal.

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Summary

This episode thoroughly analyzes Manchester City's current form, tactical tweaks, squad management, and transfer activity—most notably the move for Antoine Semenyo. Despite recent setbacks and an injury-ravaged defense, the panel believes City are still in the title race, albeit with less margin for error. The signing of Semenyo is seen as emblematic of a shift toward a more direct, energetic City side, even as fans and pundits make the case for urgent defensive reinforcements before January ends. The episode closes with the panel agreeing that City's experience and Pep Guardiola’s leadership mean they cannot be counted out just yet.

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Transcript

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[Ayo Akimolere]

Welcome to the Athletic FC podcast with me, Ayo Akimolere. Manchester City have dropped points three games in a row this time to Brighton, while Antoine Semeno signed off in Starlet Bournemouth, scoring a last minute winner. So will signing Semeno get City's title challenge back on track? Well, joining us today we have our Manchester City correspondent, Sam Lee. Good to have you back. We've also got former Manchester City midfielder Michael Brown. Good to have you with us, Michael. All right, Sam. A third successive draw, a second in a row at the Etihad where City have gone ahead before being pegged back. But was Wednesday night a tale of how wasteful City actually were in front of goal?

[Sam Lee]

Yeah, look, there are two sides to it, but the chances that they missed were so obvious. It's just an obvious place to kick off with. So Iaring for Brighton, he got taken off after the second one, so he just sat on the bench with his head in his hands. But he at least he can be happy that he didn't get punished. He gave the ball away in the box. Back to the game, tried a square pass, tried it twice right at the start of the second half. Bernardo Silva got it, hit it wide, bad miss. That would have made it two zero, obviously then different game. And then Iari did it again in the last 10 minutes when it was one all, gave it to Tcherki Cherky, passed it to Haaland and then Haaland's effort was a bit tame. Those are the two big ones. I didn't think City's performance was terrible. I certainly didn't think it was great. But you look at those two and you think, well like if Nevermind Bernardo, if Haaland just puts that away, then okay, they've still got problems with the defense and fatigue in the squad. So it and all the games they've got coming up. I don't know how many, you know, points are going to keep adding to the board because it's going to be difficult. But they just needed to win last night and if Harland had to put that away when the chance was put on a plate, really it wouldn't have been a pretty performance. But the points would have been the most important thing. So yeah, the finishing was disappointing for sure. Yeah.

[Ayo Akimolere]

Michael at the time of recording, Manchester City are five points behind Arsenal. Arsenal still to play Liverpool today. That's another two point struck for City. How damaging is this for their title challenge?

[Michael Brown]

It gives you something to write about, Sam. Do you know what I mean? It's always normally winning or what are you gonna do? Do you know what's next? They look like the title race was on, it was gonna be really good. And then he gives, you know, he gives you something food for thought. But I think just looking at it, I think what's interesting is, is Pep's reaction. Do you know he's saying we're playing excellent, we're playing really well. Just wasn't meant to be. Is he trying to psychologically give the confidence to the team is something different in his setup. He decides to do it that way rather than be a little bit critical because ultimately we've seen pep side win 4 nil and still be critical about certain performances, certain details that needed to be added. So yeah, it's a disappointing one. There was chances for both sides. I think he was asked the question whether it was a fair result or not. He sort of just sort of battered that away and said we should have won, we've played well. But yeah, the last couple of games, just as it looks like City were going really well, have faulted. I think defensive backline is there for all to see of how frail that is. But you've got to win, you've got to deal with the situation, you've got to find an angle. And yeah, it was really disappointing one. I think that's the one where it was in City's hands. When you're thinking Arsenal are going to come to the Etihad, you'll be able to deal with them. And. And it's on now. It looks like a big ask.

[Ayo Akimolere]

Yeah. Sam. Ruthlessness, I feel, is something that this team is missing, especially of City teams that we've seen in the past, you know, wave on wave on wave of attacking prowess. They've got the build up but just not finishing it. It's not just down to Haaland, is it? I feel like it's a. It's a whole team contribution here.

[Sam Lee]

The thing is, like, it feels like a long time. It's been a week. Like this time last week they hadn't even played Sunderland yet. Like up until then, everything was pretty much fine. They were building up quite nicely. And I mean, well, by building up, I mean like momentum. You say the build up's good, but the finishing is not there. The buildup isn't good. Like they can't play out from the back anywhere near like they used to. And that means that we've seen it so many times this season. But last night, immediately after the Brighton goal, I think in the end they got there but they still couldn't close the back door. But basically, you know, the amount of times over the years you see City just flick a switch, go, right, we're in trouble here. We need to get the ball down, keep it for a bit, we'll push other team back and we'll go again. They can't really do that at the minute because they've just brought in players who don't do that, like Donna Rumba. Going to give you loads of saves. But he's terrible with the build up, if I'm being honest. And I think he could be better than he is. And to be fair, last night wasn't too bad.

[Michael Brown]

But I think he's done okay, to be fair. Sam, I think he's done okay in build up.

[Sam Lee]

The balls are behind defenders. It gets them in difficult positions like, you know, Guardiola. It's all about, obviously body shape, where you receive it, where the ball's rolling, the right timing. He just gives it early. It's bobbling, it's behind defenders. Not last night, but generally. But like it's fine because he brings loads of stuff to the team. They brought him to make saves and be conf and give aura to the defence and he does that. So it's fine. This is the way they're going. Like they're buying Semeno. They bought Savino 18 months ago. They bought Mahmouche.

[Michael Brown]

It's more dynamic, isn't it?

[Sam Lee]

It's dynamic I mean, it's like. But they're not going to keep the ball more pace, but it's more pace. It's more energy. Because they needed more energy after last season. They needed guys to be dynamic. The new, more physical, demanding, aggressive Premier League, they need to be able to cope with that. So they've got all that. So basically how I see it is they brought in signings like Donnarumma, those forwards, ones that don't necessarily fit as, like, you know, typical Guardiola players. His job is to coach them into, you know, keeping the ball a bit better, have. Have a bit more patience. But also their instincts mean that they can be direct, and that's why up until a week ago, they've not had control of matches. You know, they beat Man United earlier in the season. Great win. Didn't play particularly well. No, not much control. Real Madrid away. Guardiola keep saying, love to win there, but need to be much better. That Fulham game, that was five, four was crazy. The Leeds game's crazy. Unbelievable. But because they've got Foden, because they've got Cherokee, certainly recently, Reinders, recently, they've got the individual quality behind Haaland, they can run, they have got energy and they've been scoring, they've been coming up with really good assists. But in the last week, that's dried up. And basically, I think that's because they've played the same 11, 12 players for two months. They haven't been able to freshen things up off the bench, either in the game or going into games, making changes. And maybe that's something Guardiola could have done in some matches, but I think they've all just got a bit of mental fog or physical fog, maybe. And those guys, that's why when it came to it last night, they couldn't rely on keeping the ball and saying, right, we're going to push Brighton back. We're going to. We're going to batter you again with chances. It's. Well, we're just going to get the ball forward quickly. We're going to combine and see what happens. But the qualities evaded them a bit. You know, Foden's had three quiet games. Turkey was bad at the weekend. Came on last night, missed a big chance at the end. I don't necessarily think that's going to continue, but it's no surprise because that's just how they play at the moment. They're a work in progress.

[Ayo Akimolere]

Michael, you can tell he's been on paternity. He's been chopping at the bit to get that off his chest. Do you hear that sermon there?

[Sam Lee]

Six months worth of thoughts.

[Ayo Akimolere]

But in fairness, you know, Sam does mention it's only been a week or so since the first draw with Sunderland. And you know, after Shirky's late winner at Forest over Christmas, maybe eight wins in a row in all competitions for Manchester City, you know, that sense that in the inevitability is building. They're gathering momentum. You know, in years gone by, City have reeled off what long winning streaks Michael went chasing a team like Arsenal. Do you think they've still got it in them? Because it feels like there's a little lack of confidence in the team at the moment.

[Michael Brown]

Yeah, but a week ago, like you said, look until the run before sunder and it looked all great. I think that was the one performance where there was lots of chances. We've seen Yosko Vardy ol MC a big one. Pep said the amount of chances that they had would have been a different story. I think from there on adding a little bit of pressure. Injuries haven't been kind to him, but ultimately you've got to find the angle. Can they go on a run? Yes, they can. I think the players have got the depth that they did have. It's going to be depend on the two center halves now. Do they have to go into the window? I'm sure that'd be a discussion. Do they have to go and get one in to be able to go and do that? But the rest of the pitch in the middle area. Rodri's coming back now. Nico's done miles better than we probably thought he ever could. The wider positions. Bernardo Silva's got that flexibility. Yeah. Forden's gone a little bit quiet, but he was going so well. Shirky amazing. So we can keep going on and then we look from there. Docu missed a couple of games, but I think they've got enough. I think what was always the situation was the two fullbacks were always probably the ones where Nico Riley was a youngster. Nunes is not a natural right back with them two center halves. I thought they were getting a good relationship without them. That is the huge, huge problem for any build up was, as Sam said, whether the goalkeeper can play great or whether he can't. I feel like he's done okay. But from there on, who's next? No. Jon Stones as somebody who'd be able to take the ball in situations, go and join in the middle areas and build up from there. But Rodri's going to be a key if that's going to happen also. But yeah, they can do. I think they certainly can. I think they've got the ability to do it, but centre half position now defensive areas are going to be something you're going to have to look at quickly.

[Ayo Akimolere]

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[Michael Brown]

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[Ayo Akimolere]

Well, let's talk about Antoine Semenya because whilst Manchester City were being held to a draw at the Etihad, Antoine Semeno scored a stoppage time winner in what is set to be his final game for Bournemouth. Well, David Orson has reported City have now reached an agreement with Bournemouth for semenio to pay 62.5 million pounds over 24 months rather than than activating his release clause. Sam, let's talk about this young man joining Manchester City. Does his decisiveness that we saw in Bournemouth's win against Tottenham what City need that decisiveness in front of goal. Swan stepping up at the last minute, but also a clinical nature, except for what Haaland can offer them.

[Sam Lee]

Well, this is obviously the way they're going. This is the. The route they're going down with the. With the transfers. I wouldn't necessarily say. Can you hear that washing machine?

[Ayo Akimolere]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Sam Lee]

It doesn't last long. Sorry, that's all, mate.

[Michael Brown]

I mean that's a classic. That's got to go in the pod. I mean you can't say that, can you? He's brought his washing machine to work. I mean he's supposed to be at work here doing a little bit. You journalers sit at home, do washing.

[Sam Lee]

We haven't all got fancy offices and two wings, mate. I'll go pause it. Shall pause it.

[Ayo Akimolere]

Pause the washing machine for us, if you would.

[Sam Lee]

That'd be amazing.

[Michael Brown]

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[Sam Lee]

We got that cuz it's a quiet one. All right, yeah.

[Ayo Akimolere]

Where are we, Sam? Before the washing machine interrupted us.

[Sam Lee]

No, it's fine. It's on pause now, mate. Nothing could possibly go wrong. This is obviously the route they're going down. I wouldn't necessarily say they need it. I think right now they need somebody who could put their foot on the ball and help them keep it. But that's not to say he's not going to be useful. He is going to be useful. The route they're going down with the transfers, like I said a second ago, like Michael added as well, they're obviously adding in dynamism and pace and physicality. Goals haven't really been a problem this season. Reinders is warming up now. I know Cecho's had a bad couple of games but like he's really looked fantastic and considering some of the performances he had at the start of the season, the Pennies dropped with him. He looks great. Foden again has been really good. Not so much recently, but if you add in Semenya to that, there's not many more clinical players in the Premier League this season than him. He's so unpredictable. He's like Cherokee in the fact that both feet, not a problem. Defenders don't know what they're going to do. But yeah, like I say, this is just the kind of new style of play that City are going for. But they're kind of buying. It's almost like Hugo Viana is going, right, I'm going to buy all these dynamic players that don't really fit what you want to do. But Pep, you're such a good coach, you can coach them to do that stuff and we'll try and meet in the middle. Are they going to be as good at build up and control and all that stuff as they used to be? No.

[Michael Brown]

Do you think you'll have that control over Pep? Do you know where you're sort of going well, by these dynamic players? Even if Pep's leaving or whether he isn't, that's a whole different debate. I'm not sure somebody can do that without Pep's permission. You know, other clubs, you have a director of football, do you know, like, so Pep's going, okay, I buy into that. I believe in that model. But people are going to ask at this moment in time, you've got Mark Gay sat there. Is this money not better spent in that position? That will be the, the main point from this transfer window. If nothing else changes, they'll very much be aware of the situation. So they'll either say, right, Martin Gay is not going anywhere now until the summer or less. It's a ridiculous deal. So we have to leave that alone, fight it out with other clubs. But regards to that Savino, what's going to happen with him is that sort of some financials that can come back and then you can go and get some sort of defensive recruitment in terms.

[Sam Lee]

Of like Viana and Pep, I'm not suggesting they're on different pages or anything like that, but obviously everything's very collaborative at City, but. And like, I'm sure Pep has probably accepted that challenge. Like, yes, let's get these players to adapt to how the Premier League is, to take us forward, to give us energy and I'll do the rest kind of thing. That's how it kind of seems to me. And that's why there's these Kind of teething problems when some weeks they look great and thrilling, they've got less possession but they're scoring on the counter attack. Some games they can't control the match at all. It's like, well, it's always the same. It just depends on whether they're scoring or not. In terms of the signings, yeah, obviously defence is you would say a priority, but there's obviously enough money there for Semeno. It's obviously a player that they would have bought in the summer, like either last summer or this summer. City only really buy players in January if they think they're actually good enough to come in in the summer, be a proper part of the project. I don't think you'll put that transfer on ice to concentrate on a defender because I think you can go for a defender as well. And the thing with Gehe is I don't think it's like, well, they're spending the money on Semenya. They don't have the money for that from what I've heard. And I think it's similar to what we've reported as well as I catch up coming back Gehe, I think there's some kind of agreement he's going to stay there until the summer and in any case, it sounds like he prefers Liverpool anyway. Whether City try and go and change his mind or not. You know, they have had talks, but if not, if it's not him, they'll dig up somebody else. You know, when they bought a kanji in a couple of years ago, they'll have to go and do something like that, I think.

[Ayo Akimolere]

Michael, can I ask you a question from a player's perspective? You know, Semenya's obviously coming in to Manchester City and you would think for the kind of money they're paying for him, he'd expect to be starting games or at least challenging all those other wide players in general. What does it feel like for a player sitting on the opposite side? So the Savinhos of this world, the Marmouches of this world, the Doku's of this world, seeing a big signing, considering you were brought in, you clearly feel like the managers think, thinking actually I'm not good enough. Does that shoot a rocket up their backsides a little bit?

[Michael Brown]

It's a given, isn't it? Do you know, and we're not even mentioning Mahmouch, he was the one who came in and he's sort of gone. Okay. He's a bit part player now. Yes, he's been away afcon, but where's he gone to the level of where he's at? Obviously he was playing more. He had to come and try and make an impact. He did some great goals. I'm not sure what position he is, but yeah, when you look at I, I was at spurs as a midfield player and every single window it was like Jermaine Jennis, Edgar Davids, Michael Carrick and I'm looking good, Michael, I accept your fate. You're not going to stay there anymore. You're going to have to move on, you're not going to play, you're not that good. So it is one of those and it is a shock at times where however well you're doing, but I think at this level now, the players just realize that if they're not on top of it either, there's two players for each position and also as well, it's perfectly even. Shift players to another area so you think you're safe for one minute and ain't Nori, because right, I'm going to come in, I'm going to play a little bit mixed of a start, gets an injury, he can't get back in and then he plays one Champions League game and now the trust has gone completely and that's a new player. All that money. So Semenu being the main man coming in, playing week in, week out has got to go and realize Ryan Shirky come in, had a little look of it, then he gets left out, then he comes back in and does well. It's different. The mentality, the test of your, your mindset is completely different when you go to this particular team under this manager. But for players, when you see someone come in, it is a big lift, the training ups. You can see everybody straight away when you go. So all around now in this January window, it does change the level and it is great to see. It does get you on your toes. But yeah, it can be quite hurtful. You're looking and going, right, how do I deal with this? But that's the top end, isn't it? But for pep, I feel like how do you convince them quickly? How do you sort of say, right, I'm going to win you over, I'm going to go straight in that team and I'm going to play every single game. I don't know who can do that. I really don't. There's only been Kevin de Bruyne who's had that license to do what you want. Doku finally now can go and play how he wants to play, rather than thinking about the system, he's got freedom, but it takes time.

[Ayo Akimolere]

Yeah, it does take time, but you know, it can also have. You know, we look at players like Savino who seem like big part players right now, who you don't feel, from my perspective anyway, Michael has the confidence of Pep Guardiola. Does a player like that then think, oh, do you know what, this time next season I might not be here?

[Michael Brown]

You know, they're thinking that all the time. I think who would have said Nico would have gone and played? He said no chance. He played a couple of games, didn't really get involved. But the injury, the missing of Rodri give him time to go and develop, to get better. Most of these players will get better under Pep Guardiola if they've been given the chance and the opportunity. But also we look at others and go, I'm not taking that anymore. I can't be left out. I can't play one week then not the next. I missed a big game. There's been big, big players, haven't they? Kevin De Bruyne Cancelo was really a big one that couldn't get on with Pep. And then last season he left house the likes of De Bruyne, Walker. If you're not part of the team. We've seen Edison take it when he's not in line. Phil Ford has spent so many weeks on the sidelines and you've got to be at a level, you've got to play to his system. I think that's the hardest one. A grealish, a great year. Then other times you're going, why is he not going past? People sort of lost because you don't know whether to go right, to go left because you're unsure of what's expected or you're not able to deliver.

[Ayo Akimolere]

Do you know what the sales pitch to Semenya was? How smart is it that City have negotiated this deal whereby they're paying over 24 months?

[Sam Lee]

Well, just putting two and two together, it seems that that's why he was able to have another farewell game against spurs. Because you see, it was around Christmas, you know, City are in the driving seat and you look at it from afar, you think this is all going to be wrapped up comfortably. And then you think going into last week he's like, he might play against Brighton. That's where he's going to be perfect. Against a team that's going to try and play and be open. That's exactly where you want Semenyo, but obviously they've let him stay and have another Game again with Bournemouth and it's all been sorted. I think as we're talking, he's landed in Manchester drivers medical today. But yeah, look, City have always tried to get advantageous, but the way they run the business, when they signed Gardiol a couple of years ago, they just let it drag on and drag on and drag on. So they could like get the price down as low as possible. They've done it with players before and they've lost out, but they want to make it on their terms. Whether it's the structure over 24 months. Look, we don't care about that, do we? Like whether they pay over 24 months or not. But obviously it's good enough for them as a business and I'm presuming it's so important they said, okay, you can have another game against spurs and we'll do it that way because instead of paying the release clause and they've saved two and a half million, it obviously means something to the balance sheet.

[Michael Brown]

Sam, I was asked last night of share given, actually I was doing a program that said, why did Citi not get him through the door immediately? Now, was the clause. What we're listening is to a date, sort of, rather than the 1st of January was like the 10th of January, you can execute that deal. Is that when the clause comes in or what? Because that's why a lot of fans and a lot of people are sort of going, why is that not done already? And you're saying in some ways, is it the deal? Is it striking over 24 months, is it to try and drive the price down? But it does sound a little bit. The player would desperately go there very quickly. His terms will be already agreed, they'll be fixed with what they are. There must have been some reason why that it didn't happen quicker.

[Sam Lee]

I mean, it might just be as simple as Semenya, as much as obviously desperate to come to City, wanted to do it properly and not leave no chance on a salary.

[Michael Brown]

No chance, no chance whatsoever.

[Sam Lee]

Well, you don't think players do that?

[Ayo Akimolere]

You don't think players do it for the bads?

[Sam Lee]

Michael, come on.

[Michael Brown]

No, he wants to leave it on the right note for sure. Right. But this deal would have already been in place all through December. This has not just happened now, you know, that's already been well on. So he's been doing the right thing and full credit to him all the way. But I don't mean these extra two games give him more of doing the right thing. I think the window opens and I Wonder why it's not done for City straight away on the 1st of January. You know, I think that's the point. As soon as we go into it, hey, listen, I'm not criticizing him anyway because that couldn't have ended in any better way with what he did and what he delivered, you know, yesterday. Because they're in a relegation battle, although you wouldn't think it, it was getting really tight. That was a big, big result for him. He's left him in a much better position. The results and fixtures have gone their way and now he can leave in a better situation. So actually for him it's been a perfect scenario. But for City this week, could he have been the difference?

[Ayo Akimolere]

That's a good point and actually brings me to my next point. Michael, does this take the reliance off Haaland? You know, Foden, the only other player to score 10 or more goals after Haaland, who's currently on 26 at the. We've spoken about it and Pep Guardiola has been asked about it and he said he wants his other players to chip in. Is this a really good option now for them to have someone who can score those last minute goals, who's two footed and is also clinical in the same breath?

[Michael Brown]

Yeah, I mean, he needs support, don't he, Sam? He does need support, don't he?

[Sam Lee]

Yeah, he does. But they've, they've done much better with that, haven't they? Like it was clear for everyone to see what November time. I'm trying to think it would have been up until then that nobody else was really scoring. But when Ryander scored against Chelsea, he'd scored three of their last four goals. You know, Foden had. Obviously he's not going anything for the last five now, but he had a really good patch Turkey that late winner against Forest. But obviously he'd been chipping in as well. Doku not so much, but they had started to share that around the set pieces had got much better. Suddenly in around December time, in fact November, they started to start scoring from set pieces. In December that carried on.

[Michael Brown]

It's Yosko, innit?

[Sam Lee]

Yeah, basically. But it was so bad. They'd been so bad last year and at the start of this season you just think they're never going to score from a set piece. And then they had a run of games where they probably got four set pieces in about four or five games just from corners. So getting Semenio in is going to help that. And because like Guardiola's main kind of gripe about the game last night was they've stopped scoring goals. Not just Harland, like all of them. So that is going to help. But to be fair, it was something that was more of a problem earlier in the season because I think through December they had really started to put it right. Thy ticket lady, Jennifer of Coolidge.

[Michael Brown]

Well, many thanks, good sir.

[Sam Lee]

Here is my Discover card. They accept Discover at Renaissance fairs? Yeah, they do here. Discover is accepted at the places I love to shop. Get it with the times. With the times. You're playing the loot. Yeah, and it sounds pretty good, right?

[Ayo Akimolere]

Discover is accepted at 99% of places that take credit cards nationwide, based on.

[Michael Brown]

The February 2025 Nielsen report.

[Sam Lee]

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[Michael Brown]

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[Sam Lee]

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[Michael Brown]

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[Sam Lee]

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[Michael Brown]

And set up your phone at home or work. Okay.

[Sam Lee]

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[Michael Brown]

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[Ayo Akimolere]

You're listening to the Athletic FC podcast with Ayo Akimolere. All right, let's move on because our football finance writer Chris Weatherspoon tweeted on Tuesday that with the imminent signing of Semenyo, City have spent around £460 million since last January to rebuild this squad. Sam, we've spoken about this rebuild before. How much of a statement is it that Semeno is firstly signing but when you consider that rivalry City had to face to get him, this is a massive coup. But I also think from a City perspective, a Premier League proven player, considering all the other signings that they've brought in, this could be really interesting for them.

[Sam Lee]

The headline figure the money they've spent. They had to rebuild the squad like they were finished last season. This time last year I was on these podcasts saying they can't play football. They can't win matches. I'm convinced last season, Guardiola, if not new, but the way he set a team up, the way he looks at the opposition and goes right, we can hurt them there, they can hurt us here. We're going to do this, we're going to do that. Looking at the team last year the way they were, he must have expected them to get beat a lot and they did. They couldn't play football. They had to rebuild the team. Grealish has left on loan, Akanji's left, De Bruyne has left, Gundogan's left, Ederson's left. Five major players that won the treble and obviously like, other than Akanji and Grealish, like major players of like the last 10 years, basically fundamental, of course they need to like spend money to replace them. They've also done it. I remember reporting this at the start of the summer and City fans weren't too happy because it thought that it showed a bit of a lack of ambition. But one of the goals for the transfer window was to lower the wage bill. There's many reasons, I think, but De Bruyne not getting a new deal. If he's on 400 grand a week and they say, well, we can sign a replacement for you in Turkey on half the wages less, then it's a no brainer from a business point of view. So like, yeah, they've spent that money. They've sold players we know over the summer before they bought in Savinho and they bought Gundogan on a free. They've got loads of money.

[Michael Brown]

That's what we've got to look at. Salma. How much players have brought in, how much has been brought in is the point, Joe. It's not just we're looking at the sort of top line of what we, what City have spent, but all the academy players that have been sold, they just go under the radar. So actually they've done really, really well with, with player sales that people don't see. They just look at those ones coming in. But there's so many of clubs who have come and took those young players at tens of millions of pounds that all mount up. So they're running it slick. It's not as just like literally they're going to spending like a, a Chelsea spree. I think we've got to consider that. And as you said, those top players that were coming to the end were on serious amounts of money.

[Sam Lee]

Yeah, huge money. And what would we expect any club losing five of their most important integral Players over the years to go. We just won't bother replacing them. We won't spend any money to replace them. Even the way it's going, he's kind of repurposed Nunes into. He wasn't great for the goal last night, but a very impressive right back, actually. I didn't think he could do it, but he's doing it. They brought through Nico O'Reilly as another Academy player in this time as well. Spent loads of money. Everyone's spending loads of money. But yeah, they've reduced the wage bill massively. I think when they put the financial statement out, they said something like, this was a really important year to make sure the business could continue running successfully. And they didn't mean the football, they meant the business. So, yeah, and in terms of Semenya, look, they can obviously afford that. He wanted to come because of the sporting project and look, kind of three draws, everything feels a bit negative. But why wouldn't you want to go and work for Pep and play for City? Especially now they're playing a bit more direct.

[Michael Brown]

Damn. It's like when you imagine you leave or any place now, imagine how many writers they can get because of your wages.

[Sam Lee]

I'm on nothing, mate, do you know what I mean?

[Michael Brown]

Posh washing machines that are on silent.

[Sam Lee]

You know what I mean? Imagine there'll be about six or seven coming in.

[Michael Brown]

Everyone go spent this much money, but they don't realize how much Sam's getting.

[Ayo Akimolere]

It's crazy, Michael, like, how effective you think those new signings have been. Because one of the questions I asked Sam really was, you know, how important is it that Semenya has Premier League experience? Because you look at Mahmoud, you should look at Gonzalez. You look beyond Cherokee. A lot of those players are wonderful players, but very few of them, if any, have played the Premier League. I think you'd have to go as far back as Jack Grealish to look at sort of a Premier League ready signing for City.

[Michael Brown]

Ain't no.

[Ayo Akimolere]

You.

[Michael Brown]

And I said, but how amazing that the level he's played, he's getting missed, isn't he? And he's not just here. So many people are not talking about Ait Nori and he needs to find a way to get back into the team. But you weren't really convinced, were you, last January with the signings Mamouche, what type of player, where is he going to be? What's his definite position? Nico didn't come in and do so well. Cushion off. Obviously a youngster for the future will get better a Great grit and determination and defensive eye. Dropped in it right back at times. But I think that window left me a little bit. Yes, we're trying to build, but you felt there was money spent that was it necessarily effective now, will there still be value there? Can they still replace and sell those players and get that money back? I'm sure with development, you know, it shouldn't be too far away. I still think it could have been a little bit better. But when you're trying to do seven and eight, it's not that straightforward, is it? You know, to go and get and just say, right, here we go. We've looked at other clubs close to us in the area, whether it be Liverpool or whether it be Manchester United. They've tried for season on season to try and get every single player to fit. And, you know, Pep's a master at being able to do that. So I think, again, it's in a massive gray area now. City. Can Pep deliver the Premier League? What is next? If I'm a player saying, right, here you go, January, it's the same question again, like at Manchester United, we want to come and buy. So many say, right, I'd love to come and learn from Pep for the next six months till the summer. Is it going to be longer or not? That's the question of certain players. When they've got a bit of choice, they'll always want to do it. But is it going to be Pep who's going to take them forward?

[Ayo Akimolere]

How important is building up that defense, Sam? Especially with the window open? Guardiol, Diaz, big injuries for them.

[Sam Lee]

Yeah, huge. Because we're talking about those two. Because those two are the ones who've been playing and they've been so important. But like John Stones injury. Well, just ongoing injuries. If John Stones wasn't injured, it wouldn't be such a big deal. Okay, you play Stones and Kusanov, fine. Like Kuznev, he can be rash. I think people love him because he can be rash. But he was really good last night. And to be fair, Max, Elaine was really good last night. But, like, is they're 21 and 20 years old. Are they going to be the same as Gvardiol and Diaz? Obviously not. Are they going to be the same as Stones at his peak? Obviously not. I like Ake. I think everyone's expecting, rightly or wrongly, Ake to not be able to play every game because they. They What? They had seven games in 22 days, including the one last night. So that's a problem. But again, it's like when, like Michael said when they made the signings last January, they spent money and, like, tried to freshen things up. But he looked at it and think, Vito Hayes is never going to play now. Like, he's like 18, coming straight from Brazil and he's like, he's. He's gangly, he's good on the ball, but he's not ready for the Premier League. Kusunov didn't play much and obviously it took a while to reprogram Nico Gonzalez as well. So, like, they made these signings and it was only Marmus that really made the impact. If they're going to be to buy a defender this month, which I think they do need to do, he's going to have to fit in long term. He can't just be a guy they think, okay, he can do a job for a bit. They've got to be right long term. But unlike the ones they got last year, they've got to be good to go straight away. Because what's the point in bringing in a center back now when they've got an injury crisis and thinking, actually, he's not ready to go?

[Michael Brown]

When Ake plays at fullback, you know, you've got two youngsters going at center back. Nico O'Reilly's played every game. That would be the question I'd have said to Pep, is it. Is there any reason, can you say, obviously there's lots of games we don't know because Nico O'Reilly could have a tight hamstring. He could be a risk. He could go off in half an hour. That's something we never consider. We just look at the team sheet and go, right, why has he not done that? But that would have been the question. That would have been something I would have liked to have found out and said, right, why two of the youngsters when Ake is available? You've got someone who's been playing regular. We've got a Cup game at the weekend, so it's not the Derby at the weekend. He'll have his reasons and by the way, he'll have 50 of them. And he can never question Pep. But I would be interested to know what that reason is. When you talk about you like Nathan Ake, he's been a stalwart. He's been very, very steady, hasn't he? You can see why Rodri can't go again. Oh, I get that. That's an obvious reasons, you know, that we've got to protect him, got to look after that situation. But that was one area. But yeah, no Stones for such a long period has really been a big concept. They've done well, them two center backs, you know, Diaz and Yosko Vardio. I really like the pair and I really. I really think that that's a future.

[Ayo Akimolere]

Yeah. And I think Gvardiol also offers an attacking threat as well, which is so beautiful about his style of play. We've seen it several times. A great defender, but also the other side of the field. Michael can bang a goal in as well.

[Michael Brown]

Yeah, he can. But you know what, you know, like I said, aerial threat. As soon as he comes on the pitch, he can get into good positions. He makes the runs. He has that time. He has the belief and goes, do you know what? Because I've done it before, the manager's not going to tell me off. I'll go all the way, take the risk. Ruben Diaz can just balance off. You can see him go. Whether Nico or Rodri just sits and waits. Set piece is really good, whether it be in the left back position or center half. But what he's really done, I feel defensively is really good. He's aware of what's behind him. His recovery runs are really good. And those slide passes, he can just get back in. He's got a good recovery and I think it's been a really good balance. Underrated for what he's brought. Yes, he made a mistake, I think against Leeds United, but other than that, I think he's been very, very good.

[Ayo Akimolere]

Okay, well, let's set this title race up for football fans. Gents, you know we've said we can't ever write Pep Guardiola off. And actually, in fairness, I didn't see Manchester City at second, especially when the season kicked off. So did this team have what it takes to put a real title challenge on Arsenal? Considering if Arsenal beat Liverpool this evening and then steamroll it ahead with eight points to catch up on, it's a.

[Michael Brown]

Simple one for me. Of course they can. That's. That's what I'm gonna say. Of course they can. Last week I was still at Sunderland. This is great. The title race is on and gonna put Arsenal under pressure. Will Arsenal winner? Will they get a result? Are they. Are they going to be good away from home? But they've just kept ticking on, haven't they? With great results. The squad death looks good at Arsenal and it's a real concern. I wanted City to be right next to him. If City could have just gone a point or two points above, I felt like I said all along, Arsenal will, Walter, they will Struggle because of the pressure. Now that gap has just given another big lift, isn't it? But I think just having a look, they go to Forest next who are desperate for it. You could certainly cause problems there and we might see some late swings. We've got it all to do now, that's for sure. We can't afford to be drawing these games. But if anybody can, you know, the big man Pep can, can. He's done it so many times and he'll find a way a determination in the team. But the Manchester Derby is the one next and is it the right time? Is it the wrong time? I think it might have been a little bit different to slide the radar, but we don't know where they're going to be either.

[Sam Lee]

I've always thought they could do it. I've always thought they would do it. Obviously. Look, you can't argue with the three draws in a row and if they go to eight points tonight it looks bad. But like it's 8th of January and like people have been making this mistake all year. I'm sitting lost at Villa in October and I remember on sky they were like, oh, pivotal day in the title race. And then it gets to like, City beaten Forest two days after Christmas. They're like, oh, they're breathing down Arsenal's neck. It's come on. Like my mate Nadum, he was saying it on the radio the other week. You can't be a prisoner at the moment. You can't get bogged down. My concern is obviously without the two defenders, they don't look like they did a week ago. Like when they drew at Sunderland. Fine. They played well at Sunderland. Not bothered. The Chelsea game, they should have put it to bed. But without the centre backs it's like that makes it harder. But also as much as they got loads of games coming up and it's going to be difficult because of the injuries, because of the fatigue. It's a bit of a break from the Premier League really. That derby against like if it's Solskjaer United, not great. But they've only got wolves left this month to play at home. It's like even if they've got problems this month because of injuries, if they can take the Premier League out of.

[Michael Brown]

It, Rest everyone for Exeter, can't they?

[Sam Lee]

Yeah, exactly. Rest everyone for Exeter. Newcastle is going to be a horrible game. But yeah, if they, if they can beat United as they they should and you know, beat wolves at home, they definitely should. The rest of the month is taken up with other like cup games. So I think they need this little break from the Premier League even if they're not getting it from everywhere else. And hopefully by the time they play like spurs and Liverpool in February, they've got players back or maybe got a defender in and they'll look better. But obviously Arsenal look super strong, don't they?

[Michael Brown]

That's a yes. What he's saying. He's going around. Yes, of course they can. He's not going to go against it because he goes in that press room. He's going to get. He's gonna get a little look at if he starts saying he can't.

[Sam Lee]

What's the point of me being as positive as you?

[Michael Brown]

You go left and I go right. We'll do a debate, shall we ask?

[Sam Lee]

I've got to bring some reason to it. You just go, oh, I used to play for them.

[Ayo Akimolere]

So yeah, I'm just still waiting for him to stick the washing machine back on. Sam, you know you got some washing to do, son.

[Sam Lee]

Next time Michael starts speaking, I'll put the washing machine on.

[Michael Brown]

He's gonna get told off. You know he's gonna get told off because you've got about three of them to get done and it's on pause.

[Ayo Akimolere]

Oh, gents, I've thoroughly enjoyed that thoroughly entertaining chat on and also Antoine Semeno joining Manchester City as well. Sam, Michael, appreciate your time and also thank you guys for joining us as well. Matt Davis Adams will be with you tomorrow with a preview including the fallout from Arsenal versus Liverpool. We'll catch you next time. You've been listening to the Athletic FC Podcast. The producers are Guy Clark, Mike Stabre and Jay Beal. Executive producers are Abby Patterson and Adi Moorhead. To listen to other great athletic podcast for free, including our dedicated club shows, search for the Athletic and all the usual places.

[Sam Lee]

You'll also find us on YouTube at.

[Ayo Akimolere]

The Athletic FC Podcast, so make sure you subscribe. The Athletic FC Podcast is an athletic media company production.

[Sam Lee]

My dad taught me a lot, including how easy it is to forget to cancel things.

[Michael Brown]

So I downloaded Experian, my bff.

[Sam Lee]

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[Michael Brown]

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