Man City hit double figures as Exeter suffer 10–1 FA Cup rout at the Etihad

Manchester City produced a devastating attacking display to beat Exeter City 10–1 in the FA Cup third round at the Etihad Stadium, equalling one of the heaviest victories in the club’s history and comfortably booking their place in the fourth round.[1][6]

This was the first-ever competitive meeting between the Premier League champions and the League One side, and for a brief moment Exeter threatened an upset when they created the game’s first clear chance, only for goalkeeper James Trafford to tip an early header over the bar.[2][5]

City quickly asserted control and opened the scoring in the 12th minute through young defender Max Alleyne, who pounced in a crowded penalty area after Exeter failed to clear their lines.[1][2] Alleyne, recently recalled from a loan spell, capped a remarkable week by scoring on his return to the club.[1][6]

The lead was doubled on 24 minutes when midfielder Rodri drove in a powerful 25-yard shot after an Antoine Semenyo effort was blocked, marking his first goal in around 20 months and underlining his recovery from a lengthy injury lay-off.[2]

Manchester City then pulled away before half-time thanks to two quick-fire own goals. Under pressure from City’s attack, Exeter’s Jake Doyle-Hayes and Jack Fitzwater both diverted the ball into their own net in a frantic spell just before the interval, sending Pep Guardiola’s side into the break with a commanding advantage.[1][2][5]

After half-time, new signing Antoine Semenyo, who completed his move from Bournemouth shortly before the tie, made a decisive impact on debut. He first assisted Rico Lewis for City’s fifth goal with a well-worked move, then scored the sixth himself with a composed finish, capping a dream start to his Manchester City career.[1][2][3][5]

Young full-back Rico Lewis went on to claim a brace, adding his second goal in stoppage time to round off the scoring and highlight his growing importance in Guardiola’s rotating squad.[1][2][6]

Midfielder Tijjani Reijnders continued his good run of form by curling in City’s seventh from the edge of the area with around 20 minutes remaining, further stretching Exeter’s defence and reflecting the hosts’ relentless tempo.[1][2][5]

Academy talents also left their mark. Substitute Nico O’Reilly scored with a fine header from a Lewis cross, while fellow youngster Ryan McAidoo struck from just outside the box to make it nine, both registering on the scoresheet during their early senior appearances for the club.[1][2][4][5]

Exeter’s players and travelling fans did at least have one moment to celebrate when substitute George Birch produced an excellent finish into the top corner to pull a goal back late on, denying City a clean sheet and giving the visitors a minor consolation.[1][2][5]

However, City were not finished. In added time, Lewis seized on a loose ball in the area and fired home his second of the afternoon to restore the nine-goal margin and make it 10–1, underlining the gulf between the two sides on the day.[1][2][6]

The result means Manchester City advance comfortably to the FA Cup fourth round, maintaining their strong recent record in the competition after reaching each of the last three finals.[5] For Exeter City, who came into the tie as underdogs from League One, the heavy defeat brings their cup run to an abrupt end but also provides valuable experience against elite opposition.

For fans in India and worldwide, the match will be remembered for City’s rare double-figure scoreline, the eye-catching debut of Semenyo, the breakthrough contributions from academy graduates, and a performance that showcased the depth and attacking power of Guardiola’s squad as the FA Cup campaign gathers pace.[1][3][6]