Manchester City recorded a historic achievement after dismantling Exeter City 10–1 on Saturday evening in the third round of the FA Cup, sealing a dominant passage into the Round of 32.
With the emphatic victory, City became the first Premier League club to score 10 or more goals in a competitive match across all competitions since Liverpool’s 10–0 win over Fulham in the League Cup in 1986.
The result also marked the first time such a feat has been achieved in the FA Cup since Tottenham Hotspur’s famous 13–2 victory over Crewe Alexandra in February 1960.
Pep Guardiola’s side asserted complete control from the opening minutes.
Max Alley opened the scoring in the 12th minute, before Spanish midfielder Rodri added the second in the 24th minute, netting his first goal in 600 days following his return from a long-term cruciate ligament injury.
Jack Doyle made it 3–0 in the 42nd minute, and Jack Fitzwater completed a dominant first-half display with a goal deep into stoppage time.
City showed no mercy after the break, continuing their scoring spree.
Rico Lewis struck twice in the 49th and 91st minutes, while Antoine Semenyo added the sixth in the 54th minute.
Further goals from Tijjani Reijnders (71st), Nico O’Reilly (79th) and Ryan McAidoo (86th) completed the rout. Exeter managed a late consolation goal in the 90th minute.
The result marked Manchester City’s first victory of 2026, following a slow start to the year that included three consecutive Premier League draws against Sunderland, Chelsea and Brighton.
City had ended 2025 in formidable form, registering eight straight wins across all competitions.
The win further underlines Manchester City’s stature in the FA Cup, a competition they have won seven times.
Under Guardiola, the club has reached the semi-finals or beyond in eight of the past nine seasons, reaffirming their dominance in English domestic football.
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