Antoine Semenyo scored on his Manchester City debut as Pep Guardiola’s side began their bid to reach a record fourth successive Emirates FA Cup final with a thumping 10-1 win against Exeter City.
After Macclesfield FC stunned Crystal Palace in Saturday’s early kick-off, teams up and down the country will have been inspired ahead of their third round ties against higher-league opposition.
But City avoided an upset in convincing fashion, as they matched their biggest ever margin of victory in a FA Cup tie
Centre-back Max Alleyne broke the deadlock with close-range finish following a corner in the 12th minute, before Rodri’s spectacular second in the 24th effectively killed the tie.
What a week for Antoine Semenyo 🔥 pic.twitter.com/C71uAlelo3
— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) January 10, 2026
Exeter, 14th in League One and unbeaten in three games before kick-off, conceded two own goals just before half-time to go in 4-0 down, before Semenyo showed why City bought him from Bournemouth this week.
The winger set-up Rico Lewis to score City’s fifth with a delicious cross, before opening his City account with a composed finish after being played through on goal.
Tijjani Reijnders’s low shot and Nico O’Reilly’s looping header made it 8-0, before winger Ryan McAidoo brought the loudest cheer of the day as he belted home a ninth for his first career goal.
George Birch grabbed a late consolation for Exeter with a spectacular left-footed shot from outside the box but Lewis completed the rout with a volleyed finish.
Elsewhere, Sunderland reached the fourth round with a nerveless penalty shoot-out success against Everton.
Enzo Le Fee’s excellent volley put the Black Cats ahead but a late James Garner penalty sent the tie to extra time and subsequently penalties, where Robin Roefs saved all three of Everton’s efforts.
What a volley! 💥
Enzo Le Fée with a stunner to give Sunderland the lead against Everton!
📺 Watch live on @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/59BY6g8IdT
— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) January 10, 2026
Meanwhile, west London rivals Fulham and Brentford both reached the fourth round with wins against Championship opposition.
Fulham came from a goal down to beat Middlesbrough 3-1, with Harry Wilson’s introduction mid-way through the second half proving pivotal, while Brentford beat Sheffield Wednesday 2-0.
Ashley Barnes scored twice as Burnley beat Millwall 5-1, while Jorgen Strand Larsen bagged a hat-trick as Wolverhampton Wanderers saw off rivals Shrewsbury Town 6-1on what was a strong afternoon for Premier League teams.
Southampton held off a Doncaster Rovers comeback to emerge 3-2 winners, while Burton Albion thumped National League club Boreham Wood 5-0.
For all of the results, click here.