Manchester City vs Exeter City captured the attention of football fans worldwide as the Premier League giants welcomed the League One underdogs to the iconic Etihad Stadium in the FA Cup Third Round on January 10, 2026. This tie carried that classic David vs Goliath feel — top-flight powerhouse versus plucky challengers — and the build-up didn’t disappoint.
🔥 Match Build-Up: Excitement and Expectations
For Exeter City, this was a rare and massive trip up north. The League One side earned their Third Round spot with a convincing win over Wycombe Wanderers and arrived in Manchester dreaming of an historic upset. Manager Gary Caldwell, drawing inspiration from some classic FA Cup moments, urged his players to believe in their potential and embrace the occasion.
Meanwhile, Manchester City — managed by Pep Guardiola — came into the fixture hungry to end their recent run of draws and stamp their authority on the competition. The Citizens, holders of multiple FA Cup titles and perennial favourites for silverware, fielded a strong squad that included new signing Antoine Semenyo making his debut.
🏆 The Action on the Pitch
The match lived up to its billing. City controlled much of the game, especially in the first half, and broke the deadlock early:
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Max Alleyne opened the scoring with a composed finish inside the box.
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Rodri doubled the lead later in the opening period with a well-taken strike to send the hosts into halftime in control.
By the break, Manchester City led 2-0, reflecting their superior quality and execution against lower-league opposition.
📊 What This Result Means
With the win sealed in the first 45 minutes, Manchester City moved safely into the FA Cup Fourth Round, keeping their hopes alive for more silverware this season. Exeter’s brave cup run ended with pride intact — the Grecians showed resilience and spirit against one of England’s top teams, further proving why the FA Cup remains one of football’s most unpredictable competitions.
📺 Watch and Follow
Although the game wasn’t broadcast on UK television, fans around the world tuned in via streaming services and live score platforms to catch all the action. The tie was a reminder of why the FA Cup still captures the imagination of fans everywhere — any team, on their day, can create magic.
