(DDM) – Manchester City delivered a ruthless first-half performance to overwhelm Exeter City 4–0 in their FA Cup third-round encounter at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, January 10, effectively settling the contest before the interval.
From the opening whistle, Pep Guardiola’s side asserted complete dominance, controlling possession, dictating tempo, and repeatedly exposing weaknesses in Exeter’s defensive shape.
City’s intensity and precision left the visitors chasing shadows as wave after wave of attacks poured forward.
The breakthrough arrived in the 11th minute when Max Alleyne rose to the occasion following a well-worked corner routine.
The City player showed excellent awareness and composure, directing a left-footed effort into the bottom corner to give the hosts an early advantage.
That opening goal appeared to unsettle Exeter, who struggled to regroup under sustained pressure.
Manchester City doubled their lead in the 23rd minute through Rodri, whose influence in midfield was already becoming decisive.
The Spanish international found space outside the penalty area and unleashed a confident right-footed strike that flew beyond the reach of Exeter’s goalkeeper.
As the half progressed, City’s relentless pressing forced a series of costly errors from the visitors.
Exeter’s defence, under constant strain, began to crumble under the speed and movement of City’s attackers.
In the 41st minute, a dangerous City cross caused panic in the box, leading Jake Doyle-Hayes to accidentally divert the ball into his own net.
The pressure continued into stoppage time, where another defensive lapse proved costly.
Jack Fitzwater misjudged a clearance under pressure, sending the ball into his own goal and handing City a commanding four-goal cushion before the break.
By half-time, the outcome was effectively beyond doubt, with Manchester City firmly in control and Exeter struggling to cope with the gulf in quality.
The first half showcased not only City’s attacking efficiency but also their tactical discipline and defensive stability.
Rodri emerged as one of the standout performers, dominating the midfield with calm authority.
Beyond his spectacular goal, he orchestrated play with intelligent distribution, broke up Exeter’s limited attacking attempts, and ensured City maintained territorial control.
Max Alleyne also delivered an impressive display, setting the tone early with his goal and repeatedly troubling Exeter’s backline with his movement and attacking awareness.
His ability to find space and stretch the defence created openings for teammates and added a cutting edge to City’s wide play.
At the other end of the pitch, goalkeeper James Trafford played a quietly important role.
Although largely untested, he made a crucial early save from a close-range header that could have altered the momentum of the game.
That intervention helped preserve City’s dominance and prevented Exeter from building confidence.
Trafford’s calm distribution and composure ensured City could build from the back without disruption.
The comprehensive first-half display underlined Manchester City’s intent to challenge strongly for the FA Cup this season.
With a four-goal lead secured before the interval, Guardiola’s side looked well positioned to manage the second half and progress comfortably to the next round.
For Exeter, the match served as a harsh reminder of the demands of facing elite opposition at the highest level.
As City marched off at half-time, the contrast between the two sides was clear, with quality, experience, and execution decisively favouring the Premier League champions.