From non-league to FA Cup hero - Semenyo caps rise with 'incredible' goal
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.