City FA Cup victory dominated headlines as Manchester City demolished Exeter City 10-1 in the FA Cup third round at the Etihad Stadium. The result marked a rare moment in the club’s modern history, with City scoring ten goals in a single match for the first time in nearly 40 years.
The afternoon combined ruthless finishing, youthful energy, and memorable debuts. New signing Antoine Semenyo and Academy winger Ryan McAidoo both found the net on their first appearances, while Rico Lewis struck twice in a commanding team performance.
Also read: Antoine Semenyo Manchester City move hailed by Guardiola
Exeter arrived with belief and strong travelling support. However, City controlled the match from the opening stages and never loosened their grip.
City FA Cup victory built on early dominance
The team set the tone inside the opening quarter-hour. Max Alleyne opened the scoring in the 12th minute, finishing from close range after sustained pressure. It was only his second senior appearance and a moment to remember.
Rodrigo followed with a stunning long-range strike in the 24th minute. The Spaniard drilled the ball from distance with power and precision. It was his first goal since returning to action and underlined City’s growing control.
Exeter struggled to clear their lines. Pressure mounted. Mistakes followed.
Own goals put tie beyond doubt
The match effectively ended before half-time. City extended their lead through two unfortunate own goals. Jake Doyle-Hayes diverted the ball into his own net in the 42nd minute.
Moments later, Jack Fitzwater endured further misery. His attempted clearance from a low cross rolled past his own goalkeeper deep into stoppage time.
At 4-0, the contest was over. Manchester City, however, showed no intention of slowing down.
Also read: Manchester City put 10 past Exeter in FA Cup, Wolves continue unbeaten run
Semenyo marks debut in City FA Cup victory
Antoine Semenyo made an immediate impact. His energy stretched Exeter’s defence. His movement created space. His confidence was clear.
In the 49th minute, his driven cross caused chaos. Rico Lewis reacted first to turn the ball home. Five minutes later, Semenyo added his own goal.
Rayan Cherki slipped a perfectly weighted throughball behind the defence. Semenyo stayed calm. He finished low and precise under the advancing goalkeeper.
His debut was complete. The Etihad responded warmly.
Goals continue to flow after changes
It made changes at the break. Seven homegrown players were on the pitch. The intensity remained high.
Tijjani Reijnders struck the seventh goal in the 71st minute. His curling effort found the bottom corner with ease.
Nico O’Reilly added the eighth. He rose well to head in another Lewis cross. The movement and delivery summed up City’s afternoon.
Ryan McAidoo then capped a dream debut. The Academy winger cut inside and unleashed a powerful strike in the 86th minute. The crowd rose again.
Consolation fails to slow City momentum
Exeter earned a moment to remember. George Birch struck a superb consolation goal late on. His effort drew applause from both sets of supporters.
Manchester City responded instantly. Rico Lewis completed his brace in stoppage time. He reacted quickest to a loose ball and finished from close range.
The scoreboard read 10-1. History was made.
Records and milestones for City
The City FA Cup victory marked the club’s first ten-goal match since 1987. That achievement highlighted the scale of the performance.
It also reflected squad depth. Senior stars blended with Academy players seamlessly. The balance impressed throughout.
For Pep Guardiola’s side, the result strengthened momentum across competitions. Confidence is rising at a crucial stage of the season.
Debutants signal bright future
Antoine Semenyo and McAidoo stood out. Both played with freedom. Both delivered decisive moments.
Semenyo showed why City moved quickly to secure his signature. His intelligence and finishing added a new dimension. He linked well with Erling Haaland and caused constant problems.
McAidoo displayed pace and fearlessness. His direct style excited the crowd. He joined a growing list of Academy players trusted this season.
Youth pathway continues to deliver
Seven Academy graduates featured during the match. Several teenagers gained valuable minutes. The pathway remains clear.
Phil Foden, Lewis, and O’Reilly already hold key roles. Others are following. The structure continues to reward performance.
Opportunities are earned. Standards remain high.
Positive reactions inside camp
Assistant coach Pep Lijnders praised the team’s intensity. He highlighted the high press and respect shown to the opponent. He noted that City kept pushing despite the scoreline.
Rico Lewis spoke of confidence and momentum. He welcomed his goals and spoke of wanting more influence in attacking areas.
The mood was positive. Focus now shifts forward.
Manchester City crush Exeter City 10-1 in a ruthless FA Cup display as debutants shine and records fall at the Etihad Stadium City FA Cup victory City FA Cup victory
