Goals
- Max Alleyne – 12’ – Manchester City
- Rodri – 24’ – Manchester City
- Own goal: Jake Doyle-Hayes – first half – for Manchester City
- Own goal: Jack Fitzwater – first half – for Manchester City
- Rico Lewis – second half – Manchester City
- Antoine Semenyo – second half – Manchester City
- Tijjani Reijnders – ~70’ – Manchester City
- Nico O’Reilly – second half – Manchester City
- Ryan McAidoo – second half – Manchester City
- George Birch – 90’ – Exeter City
- Rico Lewis – stoppage time – Manchester City
Clarified points:
- Two own goals are listed separately.
- The first is credited to Doyle-Hayes (despite discussion involving Aké).
- The second is credited to Fitzwater.
Manchester City produced a display of pure clinical dominance at the Etihad Stadium, crushing League One Exeter City 10-1 to reach the FA Cup fourth round. In a performance that mirrored a historic 1987 victory by the same scoreline, the Premier League champions showed no mercy, even with Pep Guardiola serving a touchline ban. The match was defined by a debut strike from Antoine Semenyo and a night where youth and experience blended seamlessly.
Semenyo makes an instant impact
All eyes were on Antoine Semenyo following his £64m switch from Bournemouth, and the forward did not disappoint. After providing an assist earlier in the half, he opened his City account by racing onto a long ball and calmly slotting past the keeper. Assistant coach Pep Lijnders praised the newcomer’s work rate, noting: “He brings something to the front line that we really want and we need… he is a guy who doesn’t stop.”
Youthful brilliance and Rodri’s milestone
The rout began through Max Alleyne, who showed poacher’s instincts to score his first senior goal in the 12th minute. The most emotive moment of the night, however, came from Rodri. The midfielder doubled the lead at the 24-minute mark with a 25-yard “piledriver,” ending a 20-month goal drought following his recovery from a long-term injury.
The academy’s influence remained strong throughout the second half. Ryan McAidoo, aged just 17, and Nico O’Reilly both found the net, while Rico Lewis completed a standout performance with two goals, including the final strike of the game in stoppage time.
Exeter’s moment of magic
Despite the overwhelming scoreline, Exeter City refused to fold. Their persistence was rewarded in the 90th minute when George Birch struck a magnificent consolation goal into the top corner. Exeter manager Gary Caldwell reflected on the “humbling experience,” admitting that City “did what they should have done to us.”
Statistical Summary
- Score: Manchester City 10-1 Exeter City
- Attendance: Etihad Stadium
- Records: City’s biggest win in any competition since 2019 (9-0 vs Burton) and biggest FA Cup win since 1987.
- Top Performer: Rico Lewis (2 goals, 1 assist)
The victory serves as a definitive statement of intent as City prepare for their upcoming Carabao Cup semi-final, proving that their attacking depth remains unparalleled in English football.
