Manchester City delivered a devastating performance to equal a long-standing club record, thrashing League One's Exeter City 10-1 in a one-sided FA Cup encounter at the Etihad Stadium. The victory, achieved under the watchful eye of the suspended Pep Guardiola, matched City's biggest-ever win, last recorded against Huddersfield Town in 1987.
A Debut to Remember for Semenyo
The headlines belonged to debutant Antoine Semenyo, who marked his first appearance for the club with a goal and an influential display. The £62.5 million signing, who had scored Bournemouth's winner against Tottenham just days earlier, opened his City account in the 52nd minute. A clever pirouette and pass from Rayan Cherki sent Semenyo clear, and he finished calmly past Exeter goalkeeper Joe Whitworth.
Semenyo's contribution was not limited to his goal. He was instrumental in the build-up to City's second, with his shot rebounding to Rodri, who fired home a powerful strike. The 26-year-old later provided the assist for Rico Lewis's volleyed goal before being substituted to a standing ovation.
Exeter Overwhelmed by City's Firepower
Despite a bright start from the visitors, who forced saves from James Trafford, City's quality told. The opener came from 20-year-old Max Alleyne, who pounced on a defensive error to score. Exeter's afternoon quickly unravelled, with defender Jack Fitzwater suffering a nightmare, scoring two own goals before half-time to leave City 4-0 up.
With the result beyond doubt, Guardiola's assistant Pep Lijnders made changes, but the onslaught continued. After Semenyo's goal, further strikes came from Tijjani Reijnders, Nico O'Reilly, 17-year-old debutant Ryan McAidoo, and a second from Rico Lewis.
A Consolation and a Place in the History Books
Exeter's sole moment of joy arrived late on when 19-year-old substitute George Birch smashed home a memorable consolation goal for the Grecians. It was a brief respite, however, as Lewis immediately restored the ten-goal margin.
The final 10-1 scoreline etched City's name into the record books, equalling a margin of victory not seen for nearly four decades. For Exeter, managed by Gary Caldwell, it was a harsh lesson against elite opposition, despite their commendable recent form in League One. For Manchester City and their new star Antoine Semenyo, it was a day of pure, record-equalling dominance.
