Manchester City's 10-1 victory over Exeter City in the FA Cup was a showcase of talent and dominance, with debutant Antoine Semenyo stealing the show. The Ghanaian forward, who joined City from Bournemouth, impressed with a goal and an assist, leaving a lasting impression on the fans and his new teammates. This performance not only equaled City's biggest win in history but also set the stage for an exciting future for the 26-year-old.
Semenyo's impact was immediate, as he showcased his skills and adaptability to City's style. His early contributions, including a goal and an assist, were a testament to his quality and potential. The forward's humble nature and work ethic were also highlighted by his manager, Pep Lijnders, who praised his ability to settle in quickly and contribute to the team's success.
The match was a record-breaking affair, with City's 10 goals matching their historic win over Huddersfield in 1987. It was also the biggest FA Cup win by a top-flight side since Tottenham Hotspur's 13-2 victory over Crewe in 1960. Despite the lopsided score, Exeter City's manager, Gary Caldwell, praised City's professionalism and dominance, acknowledging the challenge they posed.
Semenyo's performance was particularly notable given his recent move to City. Having scored 10 Premier League goals for Bournemouth this season, his first goal for City was a moment of class and composure. He became the first player to score and assist on his City debut since Sergio Aguero in 2011, setting a high bar for himself to emulate.
The win extended City's unbeaten streak to 12 games across all competitions, but Lijnders acknowledged that more could have been achieved. The team has drawn three consecutive Premier League matches, leaving them six points behind leaders Arsenal. However, with a Carabao Cup semi-final against Newcastle looming, City is focused on building on their recent successes and maintaining their momentum.
