Manchester City walked into the FA Cup third round knowing that anything other than a comfortable win would raise questions, and they walked out having delivered one of the most ruthless performances seen in the competition for many years. A 10-1 victory over Exeter City was not just a statement of quality, it was a reminder of the depth, hunger, and intensity that still runs through Pep Guardiola’s squad even when he was not physically on the touchline. Watching from the stands due to a one-match ban, Guardiola still saw his team carry out his ideas with precision, freedom, and a clear sense of joy, as City overwhelmed a brave but outmatched Exeter side from the opening minutes to the final whistle.
From the very start of the match, it was clear that City had no intention of easing their way into the tie. The tempo was high, the passing sharp, and the movement constant. Exeter tried to stay compact and disciplined early on, but City’s pressure was relentless. Young defender Max Alleyne set the tone when he opened the scoring, marking a dream moment in what had already been a remarkable week for the youngster. His goal did not just settle any nerves, it unleashed a wave of confidence that spread across the entire team. The Etihad crowd sensed immediately that this was going to be a long and painful night for the visitors.
Rodri followed soon after with a stunning strike that reminded everyone why he is so vital to this City side. The timing of his goal mattered just as much as the quality. Having spent time building back his rhythm, Rodri’s finish looked like a player growing stronger and sharper with every appearance. City continued to dominate possession, pinning Exeter deep in their own half, and the chances kept coming. By the time the third and fourth goals arrived before half-time, the contest was effectively over. What remained was an exhibition of attacking football, youth development, and ruthless efficiency.
Pep Guardiola may not have been on the touchline, but his influence was everywhere. Assistant coach Pep Lijnders and first-team coach Kolo Toure took charge of the instructions, calmly guiding the players through the game. City’s structure never wavered, even as the goals kept flowing. Every player seemed to understand their role perfectly, whether it was a senior star or a young debutant. This balance between experience and youth is something Guardiola has built carefully over time, and this match was a clear example of how strong that foundation has become.
The second half brought even more drama and excitement, particularly with the performances of City’s newer and younger faces. Antoine Semenyo, making his full debut, delivered exactly the kind of impact fans had hoped for. His goal and assist added another layer of excitement to the night and hinted strongly at what he could offer in the coming weeks. Semenyo played with confidence and directness, always looking to drive forward, and his understanding with his teammates improved with every minute on the pitch. When he was eventually replaced by Jeremy Doku, the intensity did not drop at all, which only highlighted the depth City now possess in wide attacking areas.
Tijjani Reijnders curled in a beautiful effort from the edge of the box, showing both technique and composure, while Nico O’Reilly rose well to head home another goal, a moment that will live long in his memory. Ryan McAidoo added his name to the scoresheet with a powerful finish, playing with fearlessness and maturity beyond his years. Even as the scoreline grew heavier, City continued to push forward, refusing to show mercy. George Birch managed to grab a consolation goal for Exeter, which was met with respectful applause, but it only briefly interrupted City’s rhythm. Rico Lewis then completed the scoring with the tenth goal, underlining his growing importance to the team.
Lewis was outstanding throughout the match. Operating centrally for large parts of the game, he controlled play, linked attacks, and even wore the captain’s armband in the second half. His goal was beautifully taken, and his assist for O’Reilly showed his vision and awareness. Performances like this explain why Guardiola trusts him so much and why many see him as a key figure in City’s future. Around him, players like Khusanov, Ake, and Alleyne all delivered solid displays, contributing both defensively and offensively.
In goal, Trafford had little to do, but when called upon early in the game, he made an important save that prevented Exeter from gaining any early belief. That moment mattered, because had Exeter scored first or even equalised, the mood might have shifted slightly. Instead, City remained in full control from start to finish. Ake’s goal and overall involvement before being substituted at half-time added to the sense that everyone was contributing. Even players who were taken off early had already made a strong impact.
Rodri’s performance deserved special mention, not just for his goal, but for the calm authority he brought to the midfield. His presence allowed others to express themselves more freely, knowing that he was always there to cover space and recycle possession. Reijnders, despite still having moments where he can frustrate, was heavily involved and helped keep City on the front foot. Cherki floated in and out of the game, sometimes changing positions, which made it harder for him to fully settle, but he still played his part in stretching Exeter’s defence.
Up front, Erling Haaland had chances and looked lively, but this was one of those nights where the goals were shared around rather than focused on the main striker. While Haaland might see it as a missed opportunity to boost his numbers, his movement and presence still created space for others to exploit. When he was replaced at half-time, the energy did not drop, as Mukasa came on and immediately made an impact with his running and creativity, setting up McAidoo for his goal.
The substitutes all slotted in seamlessly, which again reflected the strength of City’s system. Mfuni handled the physical battles well, O’Reilly made his mark with a goal, and Doku continued to cause problems down the flank. Even Silva, coming on later, fitted in without any fuss, calmly helping to see the game through. The fact that players like Foden, Nunes, and others were not even used showed just how much depth Guardiola has at his disposal.
Beyond the scoreline, this match was also about confidence and momentum. City had come into the game after a frustrating draw with Brighton, where emotions had run high and Guardiola had picked up the yellow card that ruled him out of this FA Cup tie. Watching from the stands, he must have felt a mix of frustration and pride. Frustration at not being able to directly influence events from the touchline, but pride in seeing his players respond with such focus and professionalism.
The reaction to the Brighton draw, and Guardiola’s visible anger during that match, made this performance even more significant. It showed that City are capable of channelling frustration into something positive. The players played with freedom, but also with discipline. They respected Exeter, but they never allowed sympathy to soften their approach. This is what elite teams do in cup competitions. They remove doubt early and then use the rest of the game to build rhythm, confidence, and belief
For the young players, this night could be a turning point. Goals, strong performances, and the experience of playing in a dominant City side will do wonders for their development. For the new signings like Semenyo and Reijnders, it was a chance to show they can thrive within Guardiola’s demanding system. For the senior players, it was about maintaining standards and setting an example.
As City move into the fourth round of the FA Cup, this result will send a message to potential opponents. Even without Guardiola on the touchline, City remain a frightening proposition. The structure, the mentality, and the quality are deeply embedded. Guardiola will return to the dugout knowing that his team can function perfectly in his absence, which is perhaps the greatest compliment any manager can receive.
In the end, the 10-1 scoreline will grab the headlines, but the real story lies in how City played, how they shared responsibility, and how they used the match to strengthen their identity. It was a reminder that Manchester City are not just about one star or one manager’s presence on the sidelines. They are about a collective vision, carried out by players who believe completely in what they are doing. On this night against Exeter, that belief was on full display, and the result was one of the most dominant FA Cup performances in recent memory.
