Semenyo’s beaming smile at full-time was as bright as the stadium floodlights after playing a major part in his side’s rampant and ruthless success.
Star striker Erling Haaland played only the first 45 minutes, missing Semenyo’s goal contributions, but will be licking his lips at the service he may well receive from City’s new recruit.
A delightful ball into the box from the left flank was finished off by Rico Lewis for their fifth goal, before he showed class and composure to make it 6-0.
“It’s not a surprise for us because everyone has seen how good of a player he is in the Premier League,” said Lewis.
“Everybody wanted him, there’s a reason for that and he’s shown that today. It feels like a seamless transition into the team.
“He’s a really good person as well which is another positive.”
Having scored 10 Premier League goals this season for Bournemouth, Semenyo’s first for City saw him run on to Rayan Cherki’s pass and slipping a finish under Exeter goalkeeper Joe Whitworth.
In turn, he became the first player to both score and assist a goal on his City debut since Sergio Aguero against Swansea in August 2011.
That is some player to emulate, given the Argentine striker went on to become City’s record goalscorer during a decade with them, lifting five Premier League titles, six League Cups and an FA Cup triumph in 2019.
Semenyo has started in perfect fashion as victory over Exeter made it 12 unbeaten games in all competitions for City as they continue to fight on all fronts.
Three consecutive Premier League draws has left them six points behind leaders Arsenal, while their next game is the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final at Newcastle on Tuesday.
Lijnders said: “The last three games we wanted, of course, we created the chances to score more goals and to win the game. That would have already created a different position in the league.
“But overall, I think we have a really special group. The amount of experienced players who take lead of the team, the way they guide all the others, the way new players are settling in and the energy. I’m not only talking about the games, but especially training. In the training centre it’s special and we are on our way.
“We now play the semi-final for the League Cup, we go further here in the FA Cup and we are in a good position in the Champions League. We want to build on that.”
