Manchester City advanced to the fourth round of the FA Cup after a crushing 10–1 victory over Exeter City, a League One side, at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.
Manchester City head coach Pep Guardiola took advantage of the significant gap in quality between the two teams, giving opportunities to several squad players and young talents.
City also handed a debut to their new Ghanaian forward Antoine Semenyo, less than 24 hours after completing his high-profile January transfer from Bournemouth.
The 26-year-old signed a five-and-a-half-year contract with Manchester City, keeping him at the club until the summer of 2031.
Semenyo made an immediate impact, scoring his first goal for the club with City’s sixth goal in the 54th minute.
Manchester City went into half-time with a four-goal lead in front of their home fans. The goals were scored by young prospect Max Alleyne and captain Rodri, along with two own goals from Exeter defenders Jake Hayes and Jack Fitzwater in the 42nd minute and stoppage time (45+2).
In the second half, Rico Lewis netted a brace in the 49th and 91st minutes, while Tijjani Reijnders, Nico O’Reilly, and young player Ryan McAidoo completed the goal fest with strikes in the 71st, 79th, and 86th minutes.
Exeter managed a consolation goal late on, scored by George Birch in the 90th minute.
In other FA Cup ties played at the same time, Boreham Wood defeated Burton Albion 5–0, Burnley beat Millwall 5–1, Southampton edged Doncaster 3–2, and Fulham overcame Middlesbrough 3–1.
Also progressing to the fourth round were Ipswich Town, who beat Blackpool 2–1, Brentford with a 2–0 away win at Sheffield Wednesday, and Stoke City, who defeated Coventry City 1–0 at home.
