After three consecutive draws, Manchester City went on a rampage in the third round of the FA Cup. The Skyblues stormed past third-division Exeter City 10-1, equaling the club record set in 1987.
Semenyo’s transfer from Bournemouth to Manchester City was only finalized on Friday morning, but the winger was in the Skyblues’ starting lineup the very next day in the third round of the FA Cup. A glance at the line-up showed that coach Pep Guardiola – who was replaced by assistant Pepijn Lijnders due to a yellow card suspension – took the match against third-division Exeter City very seriously. There were six changes compared to the 1-1 draw against Brighton, including the debut of 17-year-old McAidoo. However, Aké, Reijnders, Rodri, and Haaland were also proven forces on the field.
ManCity seals the deal in easy mode
The game almost started with a cold shower for the Skyblues, as Oakes’ header from a corner was defused by keeper Trafford with a quick reaction from close range (5th minute). Even after that, ManCity did not appear as dominant as usual. In cruise control mode, the home side – the revenue will be shared between the two teams in the FA Cup – seemed to be doing only what was necessary. But even that was enough: after a first corner, City’s own Alleyne poked the ball into the net in the melee to take the lead (12′). Twelve minutes later, Rodri increased the lead with a shot into the left corner, although Exeter keeper Whitworth did not look particularly happy (24′). Two own goals before the break – the first of which was particularly slapstick – by Doyle-Hayes (42′) and Fitzwater (45’+2) sealed the deal early on. Exeter had also been dangerous with quick attacks, with former Ingolstadt player Niskanen narrowly missing the post with the best chance (45′).
Semenyo turns it on – McAidoo with first professional goal
The game was decided at half-time, with Aké, Rodri, and Haaland not returning to the pitch. Instead, top talent Mfuni, the next 17-year-old debutant at ManCity, came on. Nevertheless, the Skyblues picked up where they left off before the break – it was Semenyo’s moment to shine: first, the new signing set up Lewis for the 5-0 (49′), then he scored the 6-0 himself through Whitworth’s legs (54′). A successful debut!
Manchester now dominated the game at will and continued to enjoy scoring goals. Reijnders’ curling shot to make it 7-0 (71′) hit the post just as precisely as O’Reilly’s header to make it 8-0 (79′), with keeper Whitworth stretching in vain on both occasions. Debutant McAidoo also had reason to celebrate, with the 17-year-old scoring his first professional goal from the edge of the box (86′).
Birch scores dream goal to save face
Despite the many setbacks, Exeter did not give up – and were rewarded for their efforts late on: Birch fired the ball into the left corner from 18 meters out, scoring not only a consolation goal but also the most beautiful goal of the evening (90′). However, that was not to be the final word, as Lewis made it double figures for City seconds before the final whistle (90’+1).
With the 10-1 win, the Skyblues equaled a club record from November 1987, when they beat Huddersfield Town 10-1 in what was long considered the biggest win in the club’s history. For Exeter, who were opponents of the Brazilian national team in their first official match in 1914, it was the biggest defeat in the club’s history.
