Imagine a football match where one team scores ten goals, leaving their opponents in the dust. That's exactly what happened when Manchester City faced Exeter in the FA Cup third round on January 10, 2026. But here's where it gets controversial... Was this a showcase of City's dominance or a stark reminder of the growing gap between Premier League giants and lower-league teams? Let’s dive into the details and you decide.
Antoine Semenyo, making his debut after a £62.5 million move from Bournemouth, kicked things off with a goal, setting the tone for a historic 10-1 victory at the Etihad Stadium. It wasn’t just Semenyo who shone; Rodri scored his first goal in 20 months, and Rico Lewis bagged a brace. Even youngster Max Alleyne got in on the action with his first senior goal, while Tijjani Reijnders, Nico O'Reilly, and 17-year-old Ryan McAidoo added their names to the scoresheet. And this is the part most people miss... Two own goals by Exeter further highlighted the mismatch, though George Birch’s late consolation strike was a rare bright spot for the visitors.
For City, this was a much-needed confidence boost after three consecutive Premier League draws. With a Carabao Cup semi-final looming, Pep Guardiola’s side couldn’t have asked for a more comfortable afternoon—even with Guardiola himself serving a touchline ban. His team selection was bold, blending experience with youth, and it paid off spectacularly.
Exeter, however, almost stole an early lead when Liam Oakes’ header was denied by James Trafford. But from there, it was all City. Alleyne opened the scoring after just 12 minutes, and Rodri’s 25-yard rocket doubled the lead shortly after. The own goals and City’s relentless attack in the second half turned the game into a procession, with Lewis, Semenyo, Reijnders, O'Reilly, and McAidoo all contributing.
This wasn’t just any win—it was City’s biggest since a 10-1 victory over Huddersfield in 1987. Yet, it raises questions: Is the FA Cup losing its competitive edge? Or is this simply a testament to City’s depth and quality? What do you think? Is this kind of scoreline good for the sport, or does it highlight deeper issues in football’s hierarchy? Let us know in the comments below!
