FA Cup: Semenyo scores on debut as City thrash Exeter 10-1

Manchester City produced a ruthless display to demolish League One side Exeter City 10-1 and book their place in the FA Cup fourth round, matching the biggest winning margin in the club’s history.

Antoine Semenyo marked his Manchester City debut with a goal and an assist after completing a £65m move from Bournemouth, as Pep Guardiola’s side overwhelmed opponents two divisions below them at the Etihad Stadium.

City take control before the break

Despite an early scare when Liam Oakes forced a sharp save from James Trafford inside five minutes, City quickly imposed themselves.

Academy defender Max Alleyne opened the scoring on 12 minutes, poking home his first senior goal for the club.

Rodri then doubled the lead with a long-range strike, before Exeter’s resistance collapsed further through two own goals. Captain Jake Doyle-Hayes and defender Jack Fitzwater both inadvertently turned the ball into their own net, sending City into the interval with a commanding 4-0 advantage.

Semenyo shines in second-half rout

The second half became a one-sided exercise as City added six more goals. Rico Lewis finished from Semenyo’s cross before the Ghana international scored himself, showing composure to convert after being played through.

Tijjani Reijnders curled home a fine effort, Nico O’Reilly headed in, and Ryan McAidoo added another with a low finish after an impressive display on his debut. Lewis then completed his brace late on to take City into double figures.

Exeter teenager George Birch scored a late consolation in front of the travelling support, but it did little to soften a chastening afternoon for the visitors.

Record win and momentum boost

The result equalled City’s 10-1 win over Huddersfield Town in 1987 and extended their home FA Cup winning streak to 16 matches. It also provided a timely morale boost after recent Premier League frustrations.

For Exeter, the defeat continued a difficult trend against top-flight opposition, marking their 11th consecutive FA Cup loss to Premier League sides.