Antoine Semenyo scores on debut, Man City put 10 past third-tier side

Man City entered this fixture with a clear mission: secure progression in the FA Cup and, more importantly, arrest a disappointing slide in the Premier League following 3 consecutive rounds without a win. 

After recent struggles with squad depth and a perceived over-reliance on Erling Haaland, Pep Guardiola, who watched from the stands due to a touchline suspension, demanded a clinical response.

The team sheets provided plenty of talking points before kick-off. City fielded a formidable starting XI captained by the returning Rodri, whose presence in midfield remains vital given that City’s win rate drops significantly without him. 

However, all eyes were on the bench, where $65 million winter signing Antoine Semenyo waited for his moment to debut before 50,000 expectant fans at the Etihad Stadium. In contrast, Gary Caldwell’s Exeter opted for a defensive five-man backline, hoping to stifle the reigning Premier League champions.

The contest began with a shock as Exeter nearly took a fifth-minute lead when Jayden Wareham’s header forced a brilliant save from James Trafford. That missed opportunity proved fatal. 

By the 12th minute, young defender Max Alleyne opened the floodgates by poking home his first senior goal. Shortly after, Rodri signaled his return to full fitness with a thunderous 30-yard "rocket" that flew into the top corner.

As the first half progressed, the pressure became unbearable for the visitors. Two unfortunate own goals from Jake Doyle-Hayes and Jack Fitzwater stretched the lead to 4-0 before the interval. 

The match was not without friction; a heated altercation broke out in the tunnel at half-time following a heavy challenge on Rayan Cherki, though the referee managed to maintain control without issuing any red cards.

The second half turned into a showcase for Semenyo. Introduced for the final 30 minutes, the former Bournemouth man looked electric. He first provided an inch-perfect cross for Rico Lewis to score, and minutes later, he found the net himself with a composed finish. By scoring on his debut, Semenyo became the first City player since 2011 to record both a goal and an assist in his first FA Cup appearance.

Tijjani Reijnders, Nico O’Reilly, and teenager Ryan McAidoo added further goals to the tally. Interestingly, while City scored 10, Haaland failed to find the net before being substituted at half-time. This marked a rare statistical anomaly: it was the first time in City’s history they scored double digits in a competitive game without their leading striker contributing a single goal.

Exeter’s George Birch scored a stunning 90th-minute consolation, but Rico Lewis immediately responded with City's tenth in stoppage time to equal the club's 1987 record. 

This dominant performance provides the perfect momentum as the FA Cup holders prepare for their crucial Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Newcastle United at St James’ Park in just 3 days.