In a dominant display that will be remembered for its sheer attacking force, Ghanaian forward Antoine Semenyo marked his highly anticipated debut for Manchester City with a goal in a comprehensive 10-1 victory over Exeter City in the FA Cup third round at the Etihad Stadium.
The £62.5 million signing from Bournemouth slotted home after 54 minutes, capping a promising first outing as Pep Guardiola’s side recorded their biggest win since 1987.
The match, which saw the suspended Guardiola watching from the stands, was effectively over by halftime with City leading 4-0 against their League One opponents. The rout began early when 20-year-old Max Alleyne prodded in his first senior goal in the 12th minute.
A significant moment followed when Rodri, continuing his return from long-term injury, powered a 25-yard strike into the net for his first goal in 20 months, with the move originating from a blocked Semenyo effort. Two unfortunate own goals from Exeter defender Jack Fitzwater compounded the visitors’ misery before the break.
The second half became a procession of City attacks. Rico Lewis volleyed in a cross from Semenyo to make it 5-0, setting the stage for the debutant’s milestone moment. Shortly after, Semenyo showed his sharpness, racing onto a through ball from Rayan Cherki, slipping past goalkeeper Joe Whitworth, and calmly finishing to make it 6-0.
He was substituted later to a warm ovation from the home support. Further goals from Tijjani Reijnders, Nico O’Reilly, and 17-year-old debutant Ryan McAidoo extended the lead, with Lewis adding a tenth in stoppage time.
Exeter’s sole consolation was a spectacular late strike from substitute George Birch.
The victory provided a potent response from City after a run of three consecutive Premier League draws and offered an immediate return on the club’s significant investment in Semenyo. His seamless integration into a strong starting eleven that also featured Erling Haaland suggests Guardiola views him as a key component for the challenges ahead.
The result sets a formidable tone for City’s 2026 campaign as they advance in the FA Cup with their sights now firmly set on the fourth-round draw and the ongoing pursuit of silverware on multiple fronts.