Antoine Semenyo Shines in Man City’s FA Cup Triumph Over Exeter

Manchester City demonstrated their dominance in the FA Cup with a resounding 10-1 victory over Exeter City at the Etihad Stadium, a performance that showcased the team’s depth and resilience. The match marked a significant moment for Pep Guardiola, who aims to lead City to a fourth consecutive FA Cup final. This victory comes as the team grapples with fatigue and injuries, having dropped points in their last three Premier League matches.

Guardiola strategically opted to rest several key players, leveraging the opportunity to rotate his squad against a League One side. Despite the potential for a lineup filled with academy players, the manager included senior figures like Erling Haaland and new signing Antoine Semenyo, who joined the club for £62.5 million. The presence of experienced players helped maintain momentum as City prepares for a busy schedule, including a Carabao Cup semi-final and a Manchester derby.

City’s dominance was evident from the outset, with Max Alleyne scoring the opening goal just 12 minutes into the match. Guardiola, serving a one-match suspension for accumulating yellow cards, watched from the stands as his team executed a professional performance. The visiting Exeter supporters, numbering about 8,000, were left with little hope of an upset from the moment the starting lineup was revealed.

The home side’s scoring spree continued with Rodri netting his first goal since May 2024, much to the delight of the crowd. Ryan McAidoo, a promising 17-year-old winger signed from Chelsea in 2024, also played a crucial role, contributing to the team’s attacking play. Semenyo, after a quiet start, made a significant impact in the second half with a neat assist for Rico Lewis and a well-taken goal, highlighting his potential to integrate quickly into the squad.

While Exeter may not provide the toughest competition, Semenyo’s performance indicated his readiness to challenge for a starting position, potentially adding valuable depth to Guardiola’s attacking options. The victory not only boosts morale but also serves as a reminder of the team’s offensive capabilities, with the 10-1 scoreline matching the joint-biggest winning margin in Guardiola’s tenure, equaling the 9-0 defeat of Burton in January 2019.

As Manchester City prepares for their upcoming matches, including a semi-final against Newcastle, this win reinforces their determination to reclaim form and build on their historical successes. Despite the challenges faced earlier in the season, the team appears to be gaining strength at a crucial juncture. With Semenyo’s addition and key players returning to form, City’s prospects look brighter as they aim for further glory in domestic competitions.