In a stunning display of dominance, Manchester City crushed Exeter with a resounding 10-1 victory in the FA Cup, leaving fans and analysts in awe. This match, held on January 10, 2026, showcased City's offensive prowess and served as a memorable day for several players.
Antoine Semenyo, making his debut, immediately made his mark with a goal, setting the tone for the day. Rodri also celebrated his first goal in 20 months, a significant moment after recovering from a long-term injury. Adding to the spectacle, Rico Lewis secured a brace, further solidifying City's commanding lead.
Youngster Max Alleyne kicked off the scoring with his first senior goal, and there were two own goals, contributing to the growing scoreline. Tijjani Reijnders, Nico O'Reilly, and 17-year-old Ryan McAidoo also found the net, demonstrating the depth of talent within the team.
Exeter's sole highlight was a late consolation goal by George Birch, a moment of brilliance that provided a brief spark for the visiting side.
After a series of draws in the Premier League and with a Carabao Cup semi-final on the horizon, this match offered City a much-needed confidence boost. It was their largest victory since their 10-1 win against Huddersfield in 1987, and also they beat Burton with a 9-0 victory in 2019.
Even without Pep Guardiola on the touchline due to a one-match ban, City's intent was clear from the start. The team sheet revealed a strong lineup, with Semenyo making an immediate impact after his £62.5 million transfer from Bournemouth. Rodri and Erling Haaland were also among the starters.
Exeter almost stunned City early on, but their hopes were quickly dashed. City's opening goal came from Alleyne, followed by Rodri's spectacular long-range strike. Two more goals followed, both unfortunately recorded as own goals for Exeter. The second half was a showcase of City's dominance, with Lewis and Semenyo each adding to the score. Reijnders, O'Reilly, McAidoo, and Lewis again found the net, sealing the emphatic victory.
A controversial point to consider: Were the own goals a result of City's relentless pressure, or a series of unfortunate events for Exeter? What do you think about the impact of such a high-scoring game on the morale of the winning and losing teams? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
