Manchester City delivered a masterclass in clinical finishing on Saturday afternoon, dismantling Exeter City 10-1 to secure their place in the FA Cup fourth round. In a match that will be remembered for decades, the Premier League giants reached double figures for the first time since 1987. The result was a statement of intent from man city, as they brushed aside their League One opponents with ruthless efficiency at the Etihad Stadium.
Man City makes history with double-figure demolition
The scoring began early when Max Alleyne, making his second senior appearance, poked the ball home from close range. The momentum stayed firmly with the hosts as Rodri reminded the fans of his quality, unleashing a 30-yard “thunderbolt” that left the Exeter keeper rooted to the spot.
By the interval, the game was effectively over. A chaotic three-minute spell saw Exeter’s Jack Fitzwater endure a nightmare, contributing to two own goals that gave man city a four-goal cushion heading into the break.
Semenyo shines for Man City on debut
The second half belonged to the debutants and the academy graduates. Ghana international Antoine Semenyo{:target=”_blank”}, who recently joined the club in a high-profile January move, made an immediate impact. After his cross was turned in by Rico Lewis, Semenyo found the net himself, finishing coolly after a clever through-ball from Rayan Cherki.
For football fans across Africa, seeing Semenyo integrate so quickly into the man city attack is a promising sign. The Black Stars forward demonstrated why Pep Guardiola moved quickly to secure his signature, providing both power and precision on the flank.
Youth academy stars step up at the Etihad
The match also served as a showcase for the club’s flourishing youth system. Ryan McAidoo, just 17 years old, marked his debut with a vicious strike to make it nine. Other academy products, including Nico O’Reilly and Tijjani Reijnders, also added their names to the scoresheet.
Despite the scoreline, the travelling Exeter fans had a brief moment of joy when George Birch struck a stunning consolation goal. However, Rico Lewis had the final say, tapping in a loose ball to secure the 10th goal for man city.
African influence grows in the Premier League
The success of players like Semenyo and the debut of Stephen Mfuni highlights the increasing influence of African talent{:target=”_blank”} within elite European setups. This 10-1 victory is not just a statistical anomaly; it reflects the deep squad depth currently available to the reigning champions.
Match FAQ: Everything you need to know
What was the final score between Man City and Exeter City?
Manchester City defeated Exeter City 10-1 in the FA Cup third round.
Who is Man City’s top scorer right now?
Erling Haaland remains the top scorer for man city in the 2025/26 season, having already reached 26 goals in all competitions.
Who is Semenyo signing for?
Antoine Semenyo has officially signed for Manchester City from Bournemouth in a deal worth approximately £64 million.
Why is Jack Grealish leaving Man City?
Jack Grealish is currently on loan at Everton after a difficult 2024/25 season where he struggled for consistent game time under Pep Guardiola. While he has rediscovered his form at Goodison Park, his permanent exit remains a topic of discussion for the summer of 2026.
Why did Cristiano Ronaldo reject Man City?
Back in 2021, Ronaldo famously chose Manchester United over man city due to his deep emotional ties to Old Trafford and an 11th-hour intervention from Sir Alex Ferguson. City also had tactical concerns regarding his age and pressing style at the time.
When was the last time Man City scored 10 goals in a match?
Before this victory, man city last hit double figures in November 1987, when they defeated Huddersfield 10-1.
What is next for Man City?
There is little time for celebration as the schedule remains relentless. The squad will now turn their attention to the Carabao Cup, travelling to face Newcastle United in a semi-final first-leg clash on Tuesday night.
Given the clinical nature of this performance, confidence will be at an all-time high. Fans of man city will be eager to see if the young prospects featured today will earn more minutes in the upcoming domestic cup fixtures.
