Antoine Semenyo made his scoring debut and scored in double figures as Manchester City defeated Exeter 10-1 in the FA Cup third round.
Rodri scored his first goal in 20 months and Rico Ruiz also scored twice as Josep Guardiola’s side defeated the Ligue 1 side at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.
Youngster Max Alleyne started the rout with his first senior goal, and there were two own goals before Tijani Reinders, Nico O’Reilly and 17-year-old Ryan McAidoo scored.
Exeter’s only bright moment was George Birch’s brilliant second-half consolation strike.
It was a pleasant afternoon for City, as expected, after a disappointing run in the Premier League with three draws in a row and a Carabao Cup semi-final in midweek.
This was their biggest win since beating Huddersfield by the same scoreline in 1987. City also defeated Burton by nine goals in 2019, winning 9-0.
Guardiola may not have been on the touchline as he served a one-match suspension, but it was clear from the team sheet that he meant business.
The City manager made six changes, but his line-up was a strong one, with Semenyo making his debut after arriving from Bournemouth for £64m, while Rodri and Erling Haaland were named in the starting XI.
There was just a bit of inexperience with McAidou making his first appearance and Alleyne retaining his spot from midweek.
Max Alleyne put City ahead after 12 minutes with his first goal for the club.
Exeter almost got off to a dream start when Liam Oakes outscored the City defense with an early corner, but his header was saved by James Trafford.
Their hopes of pulling off an upset ended there.
City’s first goal came in the 12th minute when Alleyne, who started this month on loan at Watford, headed home after he was unable to send off the ball in a crowded area.
Twelve minutes later, the hosts doubled their lead when Rodri sent a 25-yard piledriver into the net after Semenyo’s shot was blocked.
It was his first goal since May 2024 and a notable milestone as he continues his recovery from a long-term injury nightmare.
Two more goals followed in quick succession before the break. Both were recorded as own goals, but for the first goal there was debate as to whether Jack Fitzwater’s header was deflected by teammate Jake Doyle-Hayes or City’s Nathan Ake.
Rodri scores his first goal since May 2024
There was also uncertainty as to which Exeter player had the final touch for the second own goal, with Fitzwater and Doyle-Hayes scoring from close range when Lijnders’ cross was put in.
This time Fitzwater took the wraps, but it was clear the match was as good as over.
There was a long line in the second half. Lewis made it 5-0 early in the second half with a volley from Semenyo’s cross, and moments later the Ghanaian raced to a long ball and slotted it past Joe Whitworth to score himself.
Lijnders curled his seventh goal from the edge of the area with 20 minutes remaining, and substitute O’Reilly added another with a superb header from a Lewis cross.
After Makaidou fired his No. 9 from outside the area, Birch curled a shot into the top corner, giving the Greeks some time to enjoy themselves.
It wasn’t the end for City, as Luiz smashed the rebound home in stoppage time.
Lijnders: “I want to reach more cup finals this season”
Man City assistant Pep Lijnders:
“We want to get to the final this year and we’re on our way. We’re playing the League Cup semi-final now.
“We have made further progress here in the FA Cup and are in a good position in the Champions League as well and we want to build on that.
“But the most important thing for us is what Pep always says: we want to grow, we want to build, we want to take the next step as a team.
“To achieve this, we need to continue to strive and not take things for granted. This will help us grow and take the next step.”
“I think there were a lot of good performances today. When the team plays like that, it’s easier for individuals, but Antoine is settling in nicely.”
“He’s a humble guy. He brings to the forefront what we really want and what we need.
“He’s a guy who can attack quickly, wants to chase and doesn’t stop. He can adapt to our style quickly.”
Caldwell: Manchester City did what they had to do against us.
Exeter manager Gary Caldwell:
“If that early chance (from Liam Oakes) had gone in, they would have been frustrated and could have scored more!
“This is a lesson from one of the greatest managers of all time, when you have to win a game, you pick your team to win.
“The respect they showed was outstanding. They did what Man City should do for us.
“It was a really humbling experience, but our season will not be defined by this. It will be defined by the remaining league games.”
