Manchester City kicked off their FA Cup campaign with a resounding 10-1 demolition of League Two side Exeter City at St James Park. Pep Guardiola’s squad showed no mercy, unleashing a barrage of goals that left the home fans stunned.
Erling Haaland led the charge, bagging a hat-trick in the first half alone. The Norwegian striker’s clinical finishing set the tone early, with strikes in the 8th, 22nd, and 37th minutes. Oscar Bobb and Phil Foden added to the tally before the break, making it 5-0 at halftime.
The second half was no different. City continued their dominance, with Jeremy Doku, Bernardo Silva, and James McAtee all finding the net. Haaland notched his fourth late on, while substitutes Kalvin Phillips and Micah Hamilton rounded off the scoring. Exeter’s lone goal came from a brief moment of respite, but it did little to spoil City’s party.
Guardiola rotated his squad heavily, resting key players like Rodri and Kyle Walker, yet the performance was flawless. This result sends a clear message: City are serious about adding another trophy to their cabinet. Exeter, meanwhile, can take pride in competing against the giants, but the gulf in class was evident.
As City march on to the fourth round draw, fans are already dreaming of another deep run in the competition. Guardiola praised his team’s ruthlessness, saying, ‘We respect every opponent, but we play our game.’ With this display, few will bet against them lifting the famous old trophy come May.