Manchester City forward Antoine Semenyo says his side must raise their level if they are to mount a serious title challenge against Arsenal this season, admitting consistency will be key in the race for silverware.

City’s Premier League campaign has fluctuated, but a dramatic victory over Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday breathed new life into their challenge, lifting Pep Guardiola’s side to second place on 50 points, six behind leaders Arsenal.

Despite enjoying the most prolific scoring season of his senior career, Semenyo insists individual success counts for little unless it translates into trophies for the team.

The 26-year-old, who described joining Manchester City as a long-held ambition, believes the squad must rediscover the hunger that has defined the club’s recent dominance.

“I always thought, I want to be part of Man City,” Semenyo told Sky Sports. “But the hard work continues.

“If we want to be as successful as the previous Man City teams have been, we need to catch up with Arsenal now and hopefully win all the other trophies that we’re in.”

City have dropped points at key moments this season, a frustration Semenyo believes the players must now turn into motivation.

“Obviously, there have been results that haven’t gone our way, and there have been a couple of draws here and there,” he said.

“The manager said to us before the Newcastle game that we need to have that fire in our bellies again. That fire is what’s going to kick-start a new run for us.”

Since arriving in Manchester, Semenyo has made an immediate impact, scoring four goals in all competitions and quickly establishing himself as a valuable attacking option.

He will be hoping to continue that form on Tuesday night when City host Fulham at the Etihad Stadium, a match that could prove crucial as they attempt to close the gap on Arsenal and keep their title ambitions alive.