Manchester City 10 (Max Alleyne 11′, Rodri 24′, Nathan Ake 41′, Jack Fitzwater (OG) 45+1, Rico Lewis 49′, 90+1, Antoine Semenyo 54′, Tijjani Reijnders 71 ‘, Nico O’Reilly 79′, Ryan McAidoo 86’)
Exeter City 1 (George Birch 90′)
Manchester City beat Exeter City in style to book their place in the fourth-round of the FA Cup at the Etihad Stadium yesterday. Pep Guardiola’s side beat the League One side 10-1 in a performance that showed the gulf in class and quality between the two teams. City needed a win after drawing their past three matches against Sunderland, Chelsea and Brighton. They got that yesterday and they also took their chances as the goals flowed after City’s recent struggles in the final third. Here are several aspects of yesterday’s match that caught my eye during Manchester City’s massive win.
Abdukodir Khusanov is an old school centre-back and he is becoming important to this Manchester City team.
With Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol sidelined for extended periods, a chance has arisen for Abdukodir Khusanov to get an extended run in the Manchester City starting eleven. He put in a good performance against Brighton last week, and he was solid at the back against Exeter City. Khusanov’s recovery pace is an asset to this City defense, as is his strength and timing in a challenge. Khusanov offers something completely different from any of Manchester City’s other centre-backs, and that has stood out in his past two starts.
What I love about Abdukodir Khusanov is he isn’t afraid to throw himself about physically. The young defender loves the physical side of the game, and his penchant for putting in a strong challenge or physically imposing himself on an opposition attacking player is always great to see. Khusanov is almost a throwback to center-backs of years gone by, and that stood out yesterday at the Etihad.
City needed to tidy up their finishing and that came against Exeter City.
Poor finishing and decision-making in the final third has cost Pep Guardiola’s side dearly against Sunderland, Chelsea, and Brighton. City had their chances to win all three of those matches, but they squandered too many quality chances and positions in the final third. Yesterday’s match against Exeter City was the ideal opportunity for City to get back on track in the final third, and they did exactly that.
Manchester City scored ten goals yesterday as they put their chances away. The goals flowed as Pep Guardiola’s side had far too much quality in their ranks for Exeter City. It is now hoped that City’s attacking display yesterday can restore confidence in the final third, given the important matches that lie ahead for Pep Guardiola’s team.
Rodri scoring his first goal since returning from injury was exactly what he needed.
Among Manchester City’s ten goals yesterday, Rodri scored his first goal for the club since he returned from injury. Rodri’s performance in the first twenty minutes of yesterday’s match was sloppy. He gave away possession on several occasions, and it was clear to see that he is still working on regaining his touch. The Spanish midfielder hit a rocket in the 24th minute of yesterday’s match from 25 yards out to give Manchester City a 2-nil lead. The goal was a typical Rodri strike, and it was exactly what he needed as he continues to work his way back to form.
🚨🚨| GOAL: WHAT A GOAL BY RODRI!!
Manchester City 2-0 Exeter
pic.twitter.com/2mlJbcxOME
— CentreGoals. (@centregoals) January 10, 2026
The hope is that Rodri’s goal can help him on the road to discovering his touch and influence. He has endured a frustrating time during his comeback from a serious knee injury. His goal was a great moment, and it is hoped that it can be looked back upon as a key moment in his efforts to return to full fitness and rediscover his touch on the pitch.