In a display of utter dominance, Manchester City obliterated Exeter City 10-1 in the FA Cup third round, marking one of the most one-sided ties in recent memory. The Etihad giants treated the match like a training exercise, scoring at will against the plucky underdogs.
The rout began almost immediately. Erling Haaland, fresh from international duty, wasted no time, rifling home the opener after just eight minutes. He wasn’t done there—two more goals before halftime turned the game into a procession. Supporting him were Oscar Bobb’s clever finish and Phil Foden’s trademark composure.
Exeter keeper Vitezslav Jarvis was left stranded time and again as City’s midfield orchestrated wave after wave of attacks. Jeremy Doku’s dazzling dribble produced goal number six, followed by Bernardo Silva’s exquisite chip. James McAtee, McAtee, and more from Haaland pushed the score to double digits, with Kalvin Phillips and Micah Hamilton adding gloss.
For Exeter, Yemi Odubade’s consolation strike was a rare highlight in an otherwise chastening afternoon. City’s depth was on full show, with Guardiola handing minutes to fringe players who repaid the faith handsomely.
This emphatic victory propels City into the hat for the fourth round, where they could face sterner tests. Yet, with Haaland in this form, the Premier League champions look unstoppable. The FA Cup fairy tale belongs to City this time around.
