Manchester City delivered a record-breaking performance in the FA Cup, hammering Exeter City 10-1 in a match that saw Pep Guardiola’s side show no mercy. Despite the one-sided scoreline, Guardiola fielded several starters, including Erling Haaland, who surprisingly went goalless.
City storm ahead from the start
The Citizens wasted no time taking control. Alleyne opened the scoring in the opening minutes, followed by a Rodri goal, marking the Spaniard’s first of the season after a brief appearance against Brighton. By halftime, Manchester City had already secured a 4-0 lead, aided by two own goals from Doyle-Hayles and Fitzwater.
Second-half onslaught continues
City returned after the break with renewed intensity. Rico Lewis, assisted by Semenyo, scored to make it 5-0, and shortly after, he added another for a debut brace. The scoring spree continued with goals from Reijnders and O’Reilly, before McAidoo added the ninth. Exeter pulled one back through Birch, but Lewis completed his hat-trick in the dying moments to seal the historic 10-1 triumph.
Haaland keeps fans waiting
Despite Manchester City scoring 11 goals collectively, Erling Haaland failed to score, continuing a rare dry spell for the Norwegian striker. Haaland, who started the game, was substituted in the second half but could not add to his tally.
Miguel Manjate is a football journalist and editor covering the Premier League, European competitions, and transfer news, with a strong focus on match analysis and data-driven reporting.
