Antoine Semenyo marked a memorable goalscoring debut as Manchester City produced a ruthless display to overwhelm Exeter City 10-1 in the FA Cup third round at the Etihad Stadium. Pep Guardiola’s side, responding emphatically to recent domestic frustration, delivered one of the most dominant performances of the competition so far to book their place in the next round in style.
After three successive Premier League draws and with a Carabao Cup semi-final looming in midweek, Manchester City could not have asked for a more comfortable afternoon. Against League One opposition, the gulf in class was evident from the outset as City recorded their biggest victory since a 9-0 triumph over Burton Albion in 2019 and their first double-figure win since thrashing Huddersfield by the same scoreline back in 1987.
Manchester City show ruthless edge despite Guardiola absence
Guardiola watched on from the stands as he served a one-match touchline ban, but there was no mistaking his influence. Although the City boss made six changes, the starting XI was strong, with record signing Semenyo handed an immediate debut following his £64 million move from Bournemouth. Rodri and Erling Haaland were also included, underlining City’s intent to make an early statement.
There was a touch of youth in the side, with 17-year-old Ryan McAidoo making his senior debut and Max Alleyne retaining his place after featuring in midweek. Exeter, to their credit, showed early ambition and nearly stunned the home crowd when Liam Oakes rose highest at a corner, forcing James Trafford into a sharp save.
That moment proved to be Exeter’s only real glimpse of hope.
Manchester City took the lead in the 12th minute after Exeter failed to clear their lines from a crowded penalty area. Alleyne, who began the month on loan at Watford, reacted quickest to poke home his first senior goal and set the tone for what followed.
The hosts doubled their advantage 12 minutes later with a moment of individual brilliance. After Semenyo’s initial effort was blocked, Rodri collected the loose ball and unleashed a thunderous 25-yard strike that flew past goalkeeper Joe Whitworth. It was the midfielder’s first goal in 20 months and a significant milestone in his return from a prolonged injury setback.
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City were relentless before the break, adding two more goals in quick succession, both officially recorded as own goals. The first sparked debate over whether Jack Fitzwater’s attempted clearance had come off teammate Jake Doyle-Hayes or Nathan Ake, while the second saw uncertainty over which Exeter defender applied the final touch to a dangerous cross from Tijjani Reijnders. Fitzwater was ultimately credited with both, though by then the outcome was beyond doubt.
The second half became a procession. Rico Lewis made it 5-0 early on with a well-taken volley from another inviting Semenyo cross, before the debutant forward grabbed his first Manchester City goal moments later. Racing onto a long ball, Semenyo showed composure and pace to slip past Whitworth and finish with confidence.
With Exeter struggling to stem the tide, Manchester City continued to pile on the pressure. Reijnders curled in a sublime seventh goal from the edge of the area with 20 minutes remaining, before substitute Nico O’Reilly added an eighth, rising highest to head home from a Lewis delivery.
Teenager McAidoo joined the party next, striking powerfully from outside the box to make it nine and cap a dream first senior appearance. Exeter were at least given something to cheer late on when George Birch produced a stunning consolation goal, rattling the top corner with a fierce effort that briefly lifted the travelling support.
Manchester City had the final say, however, as Lewis completed his brace deep into stoppage time, lashing home a bouncing ball to round off a remarkable afternoon.
For Guardiola and Manchester City, this was the perfect response to recent league frustrations — a display of depth, quality, and hunger that underlined their ambitions on all fronts. For Exeter, it was a humbling experience, but one moment of brilliance ensured their FA Cup journey ended with a goal to remember.
Source: Skysports
