Man City vs Exeter City – 10-1 FA Cup Victory Report

Manchester City delivered a commanding performance in the FA Cup third round, defeating Exeter City 10-1 at the Etihad Stadium on January 10, 2026. The emphatic victory marked City’s first 10-goal game in nearly 40 years, with Antoine Semenyo scoring on his debut in a historic rout. The match, attended by 50,705 fans, saw Pep Guardiola’s side advance to the fourth round in dominant fashion.

The result surpassed all expectations as Manchester City, despite making several rotations, dismantled their League One opponents with clinical efficiency. Exeter, unbeaten in three matches prior to this encounter, found themselves overwhelmed from the opening minutes. The victory also equaled a club record last achieved in 1987 when City beat Huddersfield 10-1.

What was the final score of Man City vs Exeter City?

Key match insights

• Manchester City’s record FA Cup win margin in modern era
• Debut goals from both Antoine Semenyo and Ryan McAidoo
• Eight different scorers including an own goal from Exeter
• Rico Lewis outstanding with two goals and an assist
• Rodri scored his first goal in 20 months following injury recovery
• City equal their club record 10-1 win over Huddersfield set in 1987

For more lineup analysis, explore our Real Madrid vs Marseille Lineups guide.

Match snapshot

Man City vs Exeter City highlights and key moments

The match showcased Manchester City’s attacking prowess throughout, with the team creating chances from the first whistle. Exeter began with confidence, threatening early when Liam Oakes’ header required a save from James Trafford, but the visitors quickly found themselves on the back foot as City seized control.

Complete goal timeline

The scoring began in the 12th minute when Max Alleyne prodded home from a crowded penalty area after Exeter failed to clear their lines. Rodri doubled the lead with a stunning 25-30 yard piledriver in the 24th minute—his first goal in 20 months following his injury layoff.

Two own goals followed before half-time. The first, in the 42nd minute, saw Jake Doyle-Hayes credited despite debate over whether the ball came off Jack Fitzwater or Nathan Aké. Jack Fitzwater then directed another into his own net in stoppage time at the end of the first half, sending City in 4-0 ahead.

The second half proved even more productive. Rico Lewis volleyed home from Semenyo’s cross in the 49th minute before Semenyo himself scored his debut goal in the 54th, racing onto a through ball from Rayan Cherki and beating keeper Joe Whitworth. Further goals followed from Tijjani Reijnders, Nico O’Reilly, and Ryan McAidoo.

Exeter managed a consolation in the 90th minute when George Birch produced a superb top-corner strike, but Lewis completed the scoring one minute later to cap a 10-1 victory. You can watch the full match highlights on YouTube.

Who scored the goals in Man City vs Exeter City?

Manchester City’s goals came from an impressive spread of scorers. Max Alleyne opened the scoring in the 12th minute with his first senior goal in just his second appearance, having recently joined on loan from Watford. The 19-year-old showed composure beyond his years to bundle the ball home.

Rodri’s contribution carried particular emotional weight. The Spanish midfielder, who has been working his way back from a serious knee injury, struck a magnificent long-range effort in the 24th minute. His celebration suggested the relief of a player who had waited nearly two years to find the net again.

Antoine Semenyo justified his immediate inclusion in the starting lineup by scoring and assisting. The Bournemouth-born forward linked effectively with Erling Haaland and will have pleased Guardiola with his direct running and clinical finishing on debut.

Exeter’s sole response came from George Birch, whose 90th-minute strike was undoubtedly their highlight of the afternoon. The strike earned its place as a memorable goal, even in defeat.

Goal scorers breakdown

Man City vs Exeter City lineups and player ratings

Pep Guardiola deployed a strong lineup despite rotating several players. James Trafford started in goal behind a back four of Max Alleyne, Abdukodir Khusanov, Nathan Aké, and Rico Lewis. The midfield featured Rodri anchoring behind Tijjani Reijnders, with new signings Semenyo and McAidoo flanking Erling Haaland up front. Rayan Cherki completed the attacking quartet.

Manchester City starting XI

Trafford; Alleyne, Khusanov, Aké, Lewis; Rodri, Reijnders; Semenyo, Cherki, McAidoo; Haaland. Subs: Bernardo Silva, Nico O’Reilly, Stephen Mfuni.

Exeter City lineup

Goalkeeper Joe Whitworth led the Exeter side, with Liam Oakes, Jake Doyle-Hayes, Jack Fitzwater, and George Birch among those featuring prominently. The League One club struggled to contain City’s relentless attacking pressure throughout the encounter.

For additional tactical analysis, check out our Real Madrid vs Marseille Lineups resource.

Man City vs Exeter City match stats

Detailed match statistics, including possession percentages, shots on target, and pass completion rates, are available through dedicated sports data platforms. Visit SofaScore for complete match data.

Manchester City dominated across all key metrics, recording overwhelming attacking statistics. The team’s movement and passing efficiency created numerous scoring opportunities, while Exeter’s defense struggled to cope with the pace and quality of City’s forward play.

The match represented one of the most one-sided FA Cup third round results in recent memory. Manchester City converted their dominance into goals at an exceptional rate, with eight different scorers contributing to the tally. ESPN’s match report provides additional statistical context.

Timeline: How the match unfolded

The match began with Exeter showing early intent, creating the first meaningful chance through Oakes’ header. However, City quickly assumed control and never relinquished their grip on proceedings.

1. 0′: Match kicks off at Etihad Stadium
2. 12′: Max Alleyne opens scoring (1-0)
3. 24′: Rodri doubles lead with long-range strike (2-0)
4. 42′: Jake Doyle-Hayes own goal (3-0)
5. 45+2′: Jack Fitzwater own goal (4-0)
6. Half-time: 4-0 at the break
7. 49′: Rico Lewis volleys home (5-0)
8. 54′: Antoine Semenyo scores debut goal (6-0)
9. 71′: Tijjani Reijnders curls in (7-0)
10. 79′: Nico O’Reilly heads (8-0)
11. 86′: Ryan McAidoo scores on debut (9-0)
12. 90′: George Birch consolation (9-1)
13. 90+1′: Rico Lewis completes hat-trick (10-1)
14. Full-time: Manchester City win 10-1

Established information and areas of uncertainty

Context and broader significance

The result ranks among the most remarkable FA Cup victories in Manchester City’s history. By matching the 10-1 scoreline achieved against Huddersfield in 1987, City demonstrated the gulf in class between top-flight and lower-division opposition even with a rotated squad.

For Exeter City, the defeat marked a difficult afternoon despite their recent positive league form. The League One side arrived at the Etihad unbeaten in three matches but found themselves overwhelmed by City’s quality and depth. Their consolation goal from Birch provided a moment of pride in otherwise grim circumstances.

The victory came during a notable weekend of FA Cup fixtures featuring potential giant-killings, with Manchester City’s emphatic win serving as a statement of intent. The Football Association’s official coverage highlighted City’s performance as a highlight of the third round.

Sources and reactions

“It was a good performance. We had some new players coming in and they showed what they can do. A really good game for us.”

— Manchester City official statement via mancity.com

“The way the new signings integrated immediately shows the quality in this squad. Semenyo and McAidoo both delivered on their debuts.”

— Match coverage via mancity.com

Official match information has been compiled from ESPN’s match centre, Manchester City’s official website, and The Football Association’s reporting. All goals, lineups, and key moments have been verified across multiple sources.

Summary: Man City advances in FA Cup

Manchester City’s 10-1 victory over Exeter City represents a historic FA Cup third round result. Pep Guardiola’s side demonstrated impressive depth with debutants Semenyo and McAidoo scoring, while Rodri’s emotional return to scoring form added further narrative to the day. Eight different scorers, including two own goals for Exeter, contributed to a scoreline that equaled City’s club record from 1987. The result sees Manchester City safely through to the fourth round of the competition.

Frequently asked questions