There were goals galore at the Etihad Stadium as a ruthless Man City absolutely thrash Exeter 10-1 in the FA Cup Third Round.
Antoine Semenyo scored and assisted on his debut for Man City, there were two goals for Rico Lewis along with one each for Max Alleyne, Rodri, Tijjani Reijnders, Nico O’Reilly and Ryan McAidoo, and there were own goals from Jake Doyle-Hayes and Jack Fitzwater.
Despite being hammered, majority of the 7,800 Exeter fans in attendance stayed until the very end and applauded their side off.
They all stayed to end and all. Fair play good luck rest your season pic.twitter.com/CynE013vF0
— Lewis (@LewisSzn_) January 10, 2026
Exeter boss Gary Caldwell felt his side started the game reasonably well, creating an early chance, but conceded poor goals but ultimately struggled with Man City’s relentless counter-pressing, speed, physicality, and ruthlessness in front of goal.
He said that overall this was a positive experience for his players, adding they would have taken valuable lessons from facing world-class opposition and despite the scoreline, he praised the team’s attitude for never giving up.
Caldwell also thanked the 7,800 travelling Exeter fans for their remarkable support throughout, and confirmed the focus now turns to the league where they face Stevenage after a short break recovering.
💬 “They came out with the A squad and were all guns blazing.”
Gary Caldwell reacts to this afternoon’s defeat to @ManCity ⬇️#ECFC #SemperFidelis pic.twitter.com/Ik4gRtTNcM
— Exeter City FC (@OfficialECFC) January 10, 2026
💬 “They are relentless.”
Josh Magennis on defeat at Man City ⬇️#ECFC #SemperFidelis pic.twitter.com/JLeQ4E6IYl
— Exeter City FC (@OfficialECFC) January 10, 2026
Man City’s Pep Lijnders told BBC Sport: “It’s never easy to score 10. Exeter are a good team, we analysed them, they can really play. I think from the start with our aggression we controlled the game with some outstanding goals and some individual performances from players we didn’t see before.
“Everybody knows the history of the FA Cup, Everyone has seen in the past two days the best stories are written in this competition, in my opinion, so it’s great we are one step further.
“It’s a sign of a good club when young players can come through and play minutes with such performances, there’s quality, they have to stay patient and work hard but you see these boys all have something that can help us in the future.”
Lijnders said the club website: “We know Exeter well. We had two days to prepare, and analysed it. From the first minute we showed a high press and we went after them, we respected them. It was a good performance and for the fans and the amount of goals. We kept pushing. A really good game for #ManCity…”
Lijnders on Semenyo’s debut: “When the team plays like that it’s easier for individuals. We followed him for a long time and he brings something to the front line we need. He wants to chase, he doesn’t stop. He can adapt quickly to our style so it’s nice to have him…”
Lijnders on Ryan McAidoo: “He wants the ball constantly. When he faces goal he’s so dangerous. He keeps the ball in different situations. This drive of always wanting to create especially with the guys on the outside.
“We want these kinds of players. If you train early they can adapt quicker to the first team. Ryan is serious. The way he follows Erling [Haaland] and chases. He played 95 mins and he’s not played for quite a long time.
“He gives me a smile when he gets the ball and the fans too and that’s special…”
As mentioned, there were goals galore at the Etihad as a ruthless Man City absolutely thrash Exeter 10-1 in the FA Cup Third Round, here’s the social media reaction to it…
@BCAFCBH: Should’ve begged for mercy not gate receipts
@sihawk89: Embarrassing from #ecfc today. Horror show from pretty much every player on the field.
@bcafc_1903: Sorry but no professional football club should be conceding 10. Especially one in the 3rd tier. It’s not like they’re part timers Exeter, disgraceful performance #FACup #ECFC #MCFC
@mcfc9320group: I don’t feel sorry for Exeter because we’ve seen some great performances by our young lads. A credit to our club today. Have a safe trip back to all the #ECFC fans who have travelled in great numbers today, you have done your club proud 🤝🤝👏👏
@_JoshDenham: Yes it’s Man City but that is a disgraceful defensive performance at any level of football. #ECFC
@JedPenberthy: A very difficult day for Exeter, but the moment now belongs to George Birch. Exeter City wanted to paint a narrative of a club proud of its history and academy. So take a bow young man. A terrific moment in an otherwise tough day at the office. #ECFC
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