FA Cup: Semenyo scores on Manchester City debut as Exeter suffer 10–1 defeat
Manchester City produced one of the most emphatic results in their history as they demolished Exeter City 10–1 in the FA Cup third round at the Etihad Stadium, with Antoine Semenyo scoring on his debut just 24 hours after completing his move from Bournemouth.
The Ghana international, who joined Manchester City in a deal reported to be worth £65 million, wasted no time making an impact as Pep Guardiola’s side overwhelmed the League One visitors with relentless attacking football.
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City set the tone early
City took control from the opening minutes and went ahead in the 12th minute through teenage defender Max Alleyne, who converted from close range to score his first senior goal for the club.
The hosts doubled their lead in the 24th minute when Rodri struck from distance after Semenyo’s initial effort was blocked. It was the Spanish midfielder’s first goal since May 2024 following a long spell on the sidelines with injury.
Exeter’s resistance collapsed before half-time as they conceded two own goals in quick succession. Jake Doyle-Hayesinadvertently turned the ball into his own net in the 42nd minute, before Jack Fitzwater followed suit just before the interval.
Semenyo makes his mark
City showed no signs of easing up after the break. Rico Lewis volleyed home in the 49th minute after another threatening delivery from Semenyo, who was lively throughout the match.
Five minutes later, the new signing got on the scoresheet himself, finishing clinically to mark his debut with a goal. The floodgates continued to open as Tijjani Reijnders curled in a superb seventh from the edge of the box, while Nico O’Reilly headed in City’s eighth from a Lewis cross.
Seventeen-year-old Ryan McAidoo added a ninth with a powerful strike from outside the area before Exeter found a rare moment of celebration when George Birch smashed a shot into the top corner.
City had the final word in stoppage time when Lewis struck again to complete the rout and bring up double figures.
A Historic Result
The 10–1 victory was City’s biggest win since defeating Huddersfield Town by the same scoreline in 1987 and eclipsed their 9–0 triumph over Burton Albion in 2019. Although Pep Guardiola was serving a one-match touchline ban, the strength of City’s starting lineup, which included Erling Haaland, made it clear the Premier League three-time winners were taking the competition seriously.
The result also ended a four-match winless run in all competitions and offered a confidence boost as City continue to chase leaders Arsenal in the Premier League title race.
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