Manchester City sent a clear message in the FA Cup third round, hitting double digits in a stunning 10-1 victory over Exeter City at the Etihad Stadium.
Pep Guardiola’s side left no doubts about their firepower, with debutant Antoine Semenyo opening his account in style.
The win was not just about goals—it was a showcase of depth and quality.
Rodri netted his first goal in 20 months, Rico Lewis bagged a brace, and youngsters Max Alleyne, Nico O’Reilly, and 17-year-old Ryan McAidoo also found the net.
Even Exeter contributed to the scoreline with two own goals, highlighting the one-sided nature of the contest.
Exeter did get a late consolation through George Birch, but it was a rare bright spot in an afternoon dominated by City.
Debutants Shine as City Flex Their Squad
Semenyo, who joined City from Bournemouth for £62.5 million, wasted no time making an impact.
Max Alleyne, another young talent, opened the scoring with his first senior goal, proving that Guardiola’s squad rotation can deliver immediate results.
Despite Guardiola serving a one-match touchline ban, the team sheet made it clear the manager was taking this match seriously.
Six changes were made, but the lineup was strong, featuring Rodri, Erling Haaland, and Semenyo, alongside a sprinkling of youthful energy with McAidoo making his debut.
City Start Fast, Exeter Struggle
Exeter nearly stunned City early, with Liam Oakes rising above the defence to meet a corner, only to see his header tipped over by James Trafford.
That was as close as the visitors came to upsetting the Premier League giants.
City opened the scoring in the 12th minute when Exeter failed to clear in a crowded area, allowing Alleyne to slot home.
Just 12 minutes later, Rodri struck from distance after a Semenyo shot was blocked, giving City a commanding 2-0 lead.
It marked Rodri’s first goal since May 2024, a milestone in his comeback from a long-term injury.
Two own goals before halftime extended the lead further, although debate raged over who touched the ball last on both occasions.
By then, the match was essentially over.
Second Half Turns into a Goal-Fest
The second half became a procession for City.
Rico Lewis volleyed home from a Semenyo cross to make it 5-0, and Semenyo himself soon scored, racing past the Exeter goalkeeper to claim his debut goal.
Tijjani Reijnders added a seventh with a curling effort from outside the box, followed by a precise header from Nico O’Reilly.
McAidoo’s strike from just outside the area made it 9-0 before George Birch offered Exeter a moment of pride with a stunning goal into the top corner.
Lewis completed the rout in stoppage time, sealing a 10-1 triumph.
Comfortable Victory After Recent Stumbles
This result offered a sharp contrast to City’s recent Premier League struggles, with three consecutive draws before the FA Cup tie.
It also served as a confidence boost ahead of a Carabao Cup semi-final midweek.
The 10-1 scoreline matched City’s biggest win since they beat Huddersfield by the same margin in 1987, and recalled their 9-0 thrashing of Burton in 2019.
For Guardiola and his squad, it was the perfect response to recent frustrations, combining entertainment with ruthless efficiency.
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