Semenyo marks Manchester City debut as Guardiola’s side hit Exeter 10-1 in FA cup

Antoine Semenyo announced his arrival in emphatic style as Manchester City stormed into the FA Cup fourth round with a ruthless 10–1 demolition of Exeter City, equalling the heaviest win in the club’s history, Sport360NG reports.

Handed an immediate start following his £65m move from Bournemouth, Semenyo repaid early faith with a goal and an assist after the break as City proved far too strong for opponents two divisions below them.

With Pep Guardiola watching from the stands while serving a one-match touchline ban, City named a powerful XI and settled quickly. Academy graduate Max Alleyne opened the scoring after 12 minutes, bundling the ball over the line for his first senior goal.

The contest was effectively decided midway through the first half. Captain Rodri thundered in a 30-yard strike before Exeter’s misery deepened with own goals from Jake Doyle-Hayes and Jack Fitzwater.

Exeter, roared on by a travelling support of 7,800, might have threatened an upset early on, but James Trafford produced a sharp save to deny Liam Oakes at the far post.

City showed no mercy after the interval. Rico Lewis turned in Semenyo’s cross before the Ghanaian forward calmly finished when sent through. Further goals followed from Tijjani Reijnders, Nico O’Reilly and debutant Ryan McAidoo, as the scoreline spiralled.

Teenager George Birch struck a late consolation for the visitors, but Lewis had the final word with City’s 10th.

The result mirrored City’s 10–1 league win over Huddersfield in 1987, with an identical scoring pattern: 4–0 at half-time, 9–0 before a late away goal, then a final flourish.

Analysis

City arrived seeking a confidence boost after losing momentum in the Premier League and delivered it in spectacular fashion. Semenyo, quiet early on, came alive after the break to underline the variety he brings to Guardiola’s attack, while McAidoo impressed on his senior debut with pace and directness.

Alleyne’s opener and Rodri’s long-range strike ensured City were never troubled, and the hosts extended their remarkable FA Cup home record to 16 straight wins. For Exeter boss Gary Caldwell, once part of a famous FA Cup upset against City, this was a sobering reminder of the gulf in class, as his side suffered an 11th consecutive FA Cup defeat against top-flight opposition.