Antoine Semenyo Scores on Debut as Manchester City Thrash Exeter 10-1 in FA Cup Record

The Ghanaian forward, who completed a high-profile £65 million move from Bournemouth just one day prior, wasted no time proving why Pep Guardiola made him the club's first signing of the January transfer window.

Semenyo’s performance was statistically and historically significant. By recording both a goal and an assist in his first outing, he became the first Manchester City player to achieve that feat on his debut since the legendary Sergio Agüero did so against Swansea City in August 2011. Starting on the left wing, Semenyo was a constant threat throughout the afternoon.

His maiden contribution came in the 49th minute when he delivered a pinpoint cross for Rico Lewis to tap home. Just five minutes later, Semenyo found the net himself, driving into the box and slotting a composed finish into the bottom corner to make it 6-0. 

His physical power and direct running provided a new dimension to a City attack that also featured Erling Haaland and Rodri, proving that he can handle the tactical demands of the reigning champions.

The 10-1 scoreline at the Etihad Stadium matched Manchester City’s biggest-ever margin of victory in the FA Cup, a record that had stood since 1987. While the League One visitors, Exeter City, provided an early scare, the gulf in class quickly became apparent as City scored from all 10 of their shots on target.

The goalscorers included a mix of established stars and rising academy talents. Max Alleyne opened the scoring with his first senior goal, followed by a stunning 25-yard piledriver from Rodri, which marked his first goal in 20 months following his return from injury.

Rico Lewis bagged a brace, including the final goal in stoppage time, while 17-year-old debutant Ryan McAidoo brought the crowd to their feet with a clinical ninth goal. Tijjani Reijnders and Nico O'Reilly also found the scoresheet, while Exeter contributed two own goals during a frantic first half that saw the game effectively ended as a contest before the interval.

This dominant display serves as a timely confidence booster for Manchester City following a string of three consecutive draws in the Premier League. 

With injuries to wide players like Savinho and Oscar Bobb, Semenyo’s seamless integration is a major boost for the coaching staff as the club pursues silverware on four fronts.

Assistant manager Pep Lijnders, who took charge for the match while Guardiola served a touchline ban, praised Semenyo’s work rate after the match. 

He noted that the forward brings a specific type of verticality to the frontline that the team has lacked in recent weeks. Semenyo’s ability to adapt to the complex positional system of Manchester City with only one training session suggests he will be a vital asset in the title race.