Manchester City kicked off their FA Cup campaign in spectacular fashion, dismantling League One side Exeter City with a staggering 10-1 victory at the Etihad Stadium. The Blues, under the watchful eye of Pep Guardiola from the stands due to a suspension, showcased their ruthless attacking prowess, blending seasoned stars with exciting debutants in a match that echoed a famous thrashing from decades past. This third-round tie marked the first-ever meeting between the two clubs, and City made it one to remember—or forget, depending on your allegiance.
A Dominant Start Sets the Tone
From the opening whistle, City asserted their dominance against a plucky Exeter side. Despite an early corner for the visitors and a header that tested goalkeeper James Trafford, it was the hosts who drew first blood. Young defender Max Alleyne, making just his second appearance for the club, bundled the ball over the line in a scrappy fashion after a series of headers and nudges in the box. The goal came around the 15-minute mark, igniting what would become a goal-fest.
Not long after, midfield maestro Rodri announced his return to form with a thunderbolt from 30 yards out. Having been plagued by injuries since his last goal in May 2024 against West Ham, the Spaniard smashed the ball into the net, doubling City’s lead and signaling the end of his scoring drought. “Welcome back, Rodri,” as the commentators aptly put it.
Own Goals and Debut Magic Pile on the Pressure
Exeter’s defense crumbled under relentless City pressure. An in-swinging corner from Sherk led to an own goal, making it 3-0, followed by another unfortunate deflection off an Exeter player from Tjani Reinders’ clever byline work, pushing the score to 4-0 before halftime. The Grecians’ goalkeeper, Whitworth, made several saves, including denying Erling Haaland from close range, but the floodgates were open.
The second half brought debut delight for Antoine Semenyo, who joined City just hours before kickoff. The forward assisted Rico Lewis for the fifth goal before netting his own on a breakaway, slotting through the keeper’s legs to make it 6-0. Semenyo’s pace and composure were highlights, earning praise for his immediate impact.
Rampant City Hit Double Figures
City’s attacking machine showed no mercy. Reinders curled in a beauty for 7-0, bending the ball into the corner with spin that left Whitworth rooted. Nico O’Reilly, a standout from last season’s FA Cup run, headed in the eighth, marking his fourth goal in the competition. Seventeen-year-old academy sensation Ryan Madu then stole the show, thumping home his first professional goal from the edge of the box to make it 9-0. The tricky winger’s dazzling under-21 performances had earned him this debut, and he delivered emphatically.
Exeter managed a consolation goal through George Burch, who rifled a shot into the roof of the net, briefly making it 9-1 and drawing cheers from their traveling fans. But City weren’t done. Jeremy Doku danced through the defense and slotted home the tenth, sealing a 10-1 scoreline that mirrored City’s famous 1987 demolition of Huddersfield Town in the same competition.
Standout Performances and Historical Context
- Debutants Shine: Semenyo (1 goal, 1 assist) and Madu (1 goal) made instant impacts, blending seamlessly with City’s stars. Their contributions highlight the club’s depth and youth development.
- Veterans Lead the Way: Rodri’s strike was a reminder of his importance, while Haaland, though goalless, was a constant threat. Reinders (1 goal) and Lewis (1 goal) added to the tally with composed finishes.
- Defensive Woes for Exeter: Two own goals underscored the pressure, but credit to the League One side for their spirited effort, including Burch’s fine strike.
This result propels City into the fourth round, continuing their quest for a fourth consecutive FA Cup final appearance. Last year’s third-round 8-0 win over Salford set a high bar, but this performance surpassed it in style. With players like Josko Gvardiol, Phil Foden, and Erling Haaland in the mix, Guardiola’s side looks unstoppable.
As City fans celebrate this historic rout, the question looms: can anyone halt their FA Cup dominance? The Blues have now scored 32 goals in their last six first-time meetings with opponents—a stat that bodes well for the challenges ahead.
