Antoine Semenyo announced his arrival at Manchester City in emphatic fashion, scoring and providing an assist on his debut as the Premier League champions crushed Exeter City 10-1 in the FA Cup third round at the Etihad Stadium.
Semenyo was honoured with the Man of the Match award following his impressive debut performance in his club’s big win.
The Ghana international was handed an immediate start following his big-money move from Bournemouth and wasted no time in making an impact, playing a key role in one of City’s biggest victories in recent history.
Manchester City took early control of the contest, with young defender Max Alleyne opening the scoring before Rodri doubled the lead with a powerful long-range effort, his first goal in nearly two years. Two own goals before halftime put the game firmly beyond Exeter’s reach.
In the second half, Semenyo turned provider, delivering a precise cross that allowed Rico Lewis to volley home City’s fifth goal. Moments later, the forward got on the scoresheet himself, showing pace and composure as he broke through the defence and calmly finished to mark a dream debut.
Further goals from Tijjani Reijnders, Nico O’Reilly and teenage sensation Ryan McAidoo completed the rout, with Lewis grabbing his second in stoppage time. Exeter managed a late consolation through George Birch, which briefly lifted the visitors.
The dominant win eased pressure on City after recent league draws and underlined the depth and quality of Pep Guardiola’s squad, even with the coach absent from the touchline due to suspension. For Antoine Semenyo, the night will be remembered as a perfect start to life at Manchester City, highlighted by both a goal and an assist on debut.
