Manchester City turned the FA Cup third round into a statement of power as they crushed Exeter City 10-1 at the Etihad Stadium. It was a ruthless display that mixed star quality with youth and reminded everyone why City remain one of English football’s most feared sides.
City arrived needing rhythm after three straight Premier League draws. With a Carabao Cup semi-final looming, this tie offered a chance to reset the mood. Even without Pep Guardiola on the touchline due to a one-match ban, the intent was clear from the first whistle.
The team sheet showed strength and trust. New signing Antoine Semenyo was handed an immediate debut after his £62.5 million move from Bournemouth. Rodri and Erling Haaland also started, while youngsters Max Alleyne and Ryan McAidoo were given space to express themselves.
Exeter briefly threatened to shock the crowd. Liam Oakes rose highest at an early corner, but James Trafford pushed the header over. That moment proved to be the visitors’ peak.
City took control on 12 minutes. Exeter failed to clear their lines, and Alleyne calmly poked in his first senior goal. Twelve minutes later, Rodri struck from 25 yards after a Semenyo effort was blocked, ending a 20-month wait for a goal and marking another step in his long recovery.
Two own goals before half-time ended the contest. Confusion in the Exeter defence summed up a night where everything fell City’s way. By the break, the stadium felt less tense and more celebratory.
The second half became a procession. Rico Lewis volleyed in from a Semenyo cross, then Semenyo scored himself with a composed finish after racing clear. His debut goal underlined why City moved quickly to secure his signature.
City never eased off. Tijjani Reijnders curled in a fine seventh, Nico O’Reilly headed home from another Lewis delivery, and 17-year-old McAidoo added the ninth with confidence beyond his years. Each goal drew louder cheers and growing disbelief.
Exeter at least had one moment to savour. George Birch smashed a superb strike into the top corner late on, earning warm applause from both sets of fans. It was a reminder of the romance the FA Cup can still offer.
Lewis completed the scoring in stoppage time. The final whistle confirmed City’s biggest win since 1987. For Guardiola’s side, this was control, depth, and hunger on full display.
