Manchester City delivered a stunning performance in the FA Cup, defeating Exeter City 10-1 on October 7, 2023. The victory propelled City into the fourth round of the prestigious tournament. Manager Pep Guardiola fielded a strong lineup, and the team responded impressively against their League One opponents.
The match kicked off with young defender Max Alleyne scoring the opening goal, setting the tone for a dominant display. Rodri followed up with a powerful strike, extending City’s lead. By the end of the first half, City had added two more goals, showcasing their attacking prowess and leaving Exeter struggling to cope.
City made three substitutions after the break, further asserting their control. Antoine Semenyo, making his full debut, shone brightly with a goal and an assist. He was eventually replaced by Jeremy Doku as City continued to apply pressure. Goals from Tijjani Reijnders, Nico O’Reilly, and Ryan McAidoo added to Exeter’s woes. Although George Birch found the net for Exeter, it was too little, too late as Rico Lewis capped the scoring with a tenth goal for City.
Player Ratings Overview
According to the Manchester Evening News, player ratings reflected the team’s exceptional performance. Goalkeeper Tommy Trafford earned a rating of 7 for a solid save early in the match, although he had limited work as City dominated.
Defender Rico Lewis stood out with a rating of 9, contributing significantly to both defensive and offensive plays. He scored a beautiful goal and provided an assist for O’Reilly, and even captained the team during the second half.
Alleyne, who scored the first goal, received an 8 for his impressive showing, while Nathan Ake also scored and earned a rating of 7. Rodri and McAidoo both received ratings of 7 and 8 respectively for their contributions, with McAidoo netting a goal late in the match.
Midfielder Tijjani Reijnders was rated 8 as he played a key role in several goals, despite some frustrating moments. Antoine Semenyo also impressed with a rating of 7, indicating his potential for future starts for the team.
On the other hand, Erling Haaland received a rating of 6 after coming close to scoring but ultimately missed chances. Substitutes such as Christian Mukasa and Nico O’Reilly both earned ratings of 7 for their impactful contributions after coming on.
The match not only showcased Manchester City’s attacking talent but also highlighted the potential of emerging players like Alleyne and Semenyo. As City prepares for the next round of the FA Cup, their commanding victory against Exeter serves as a strong statement of intent in the competition.
