Manchester City secured a resounding victory over Exeter City, winning 10-1 in the FA Cup third round on January 6, 2024. Manager Pep Guardiola fielded a strong team against the League One side, leading to an impressive performance that showcased the depth of talent within the squad.
The match began with Max Alleyne scoring the opening goal, setting the tone for a dominant display. Shortly after, Rodri added a second with a powerful strike. City continued to exert control, netting two additional goals before halftime. Following the break, Guardiola made a triple substitution, introducing fresh legs to maintain the momentum.
One of the standout performers was Antoine Semenyo, who marked his full debut with both a goal and an assist. He was substituted for Jeremy Doku with half an hour remaining, as City maintained their relentless attack. The scoring spree continued with Tijjani Reijnders, Nico O’Reilly, and Ryan McAidoo all contributing to the tally. Despite a late consolation from Exeter’s George Birch, City capped the game with a tenth goal from Rico Lewis.
Player Ratings: Key Performers Shine
The player ratings reflect the strength of City’s performance, with several individuals earning high marks.
Tommy Trafford: The goalkeeper made a crucial save early in the match and was largely untroubled thereafter, earning a rating of 7.
Rico Lewis: Central to much of City’s attacking play, Lewis not only scored a brilliant goal but also assisted O’Reilly’s header, receiving a rating of 9.
Max Alleyne: After scoring the opener, Alleyne delivered a solid performance throughout, culminating in a rating of 8.
Rodri: His goal was a highlight, showcasing his returning form post-injury, and he received a rating of 7.
Ryan McAidoo: Although he faded slightly in the second half, McAidoo made significant contributions to the attack, scoring late in the game and earning an 8.
Tijjani Reijnders: Despite some frustrating moments, Reijnders was influential in multiple goals, earning a rating of 8 for keeping City on the offensive.
Debutants Impress in Dominant Display
The match also highlighted the impact of debutants. Antoine Semenyo scored and assisted in the second half, a performance that likely guarantees him a starting spot in the upcoming game against Newcastle. His efforts, combined with the contributions from the likes of O’Reilly and Doku, illustrate the wealth of talent at Guardiola’s disposal.
The match concluded with a staggering scoreline of 10-1, a testament to the current strength of Manchester City as they advance to the fourth round of the FA Cup. This victory not only boosts morale but also showcases the potential of several young players in the squad.
