Manchester City began their FA Cup campaign in emphatic style, thrashing Exeter City 10-1 in a dominant third-round clash at the Etihad Stadium.
City took control early, with Max Alleyne opening the scoring from a corner, followed by Rodri’s powerful strike and Nathan Ak’s goal. Exeter’s Jack Fitzwater added to their woes with an own goal before halftime.
The second half saw City maintain their dominance, with Rico Lewis scoring early, debutant Antoine Semenyo marking his arrival with a goal and assist, and Tijjani Reijnders curling in a seventh. Substitutes Nico O’Reilly and Ryan McAidoo added two more, while George Birch scored a consolation for Exeter. Lewis completed the scoring to make it 10-1.
Semenyo, signed from Bournemouth days earlier, impressed with his energy, movement, and direct play, earning man-of-the-match honors.
The result marked City’s biggest FA Cup win under Pep Guardiola, matching a 10-goal margin last seen in 1987. Guardiola, serving a one-match touchline ban, watched from the stands as assistant Pep Lijnders oversaw the match. The victory sent a strong statement about City’s depth and ambitions as they advance to the fourth round.
