Man City overwhelm Exeter with ruthless 10-1 FA Cup victory | OneFootball

Man City run riot as Exeter overwhelmed in FA Cup

Manchester City’s progress into the FA Cup fourth round was swift, emphatic and utterly unforgiving. Exeter City, buoyed by occasion and travelling support, were instead met by a level of intensity that turned a cup tie into a long and chastening afternoon. By the final whistle, Man City had struck 10 times, leaving Exeter with little more than a memory of the stage and a harsh lesson in elite efficiency.

Pep Guardiola watched from the stands as he served a touchline ban, but his presence was felt in the structure and seriousness of City’s approach. This was no experimental outing. A strong XI, captained by Rodri, played with the rhythm and purpose of a side intent on making the evening decisive early.

Early control sets tone

City’s dominance was established within minutes. Max Alleyne, an academy product, opened the scoring after 12 minutes, reacting sharply to poke the ball over the line. It was a moment that reflected both opportunity and assurance, traits that would define the rest of the contest.

Rodri soon followed with a 30 yard strike that effectively ended the contest as a competition. Two unfortunate own goals from Jake Doyle Hayes and Jack Fitzwater before half time deepened Exeter’s troubles and underlined the relentlessness of City’s pressure. For all that, Exeter had their moments. Liam Oakes came close inside five minutes, his header forcing a sharp save from James Trafford, a reminder that the hosts were not entirely untroubled.

Semenyo debut delivers impact

Much of the intrigue centred on Antoine Semenyo, handed a debut days after completing his £65m move from Bournemouth. Thrown straight into the starting line up, he offered directness and composure, growing into the game as spaces widened.

His influence was decisive after the break. Rico Lewis converted from Semenyo’s cross, before the Ghanaian forward marked his debut with a composed finish of his own. It was a return that hinted at why City moved quickly to secure him, a blend of physical presence and calm execution.

Second half avalanche and Exeter resolve

The second half became an exercise in damage limitation for Exeter. Tijjani Reijnders curled home, Nico O’Reilly headed in, and Ryan McAidoo drilled a finish as City’s rotation options continued to deliver. Yet amid the collapse, Exeter found a moment of pride. Nineteen year old George Birch struck a fine late consolation, greeted warmly by the 7,800 travelling supporters.

There was still time for Lewis to complete the scoring, smashing in City’s tenth to seal a 10-1 result. For Man City, progression felt inevitable. For Exeter, the scoreline was brutal, but the experience will linger far longer than the numbers.