Manchester City assistant manager Pep Lijnders has declared the team's ambition to reach "finals" this year, following a dominant 10-1 victory over Exeter City in the FA Cup third round. The win, which saw Antoine Semenyo score on his debut, served as a powerful statement of intent from the reigning Premier League champions.

City, who had experienced frustrating draws in their previous three Premier League matches, faced League One side Exeter City at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday. Despite Exeter's initial efforts, including a header from Liam Oakes that was tipped over by City's goalkeeper James Trafford, City quickly asserted their dominance. Max Alleyne opened the scoring in the 11th minute, followed by a stunning strike from Rodri. An own goal from Jack Fitzwater and another goal completed the 4-0 lead at halftime.

The onslaught continued in the second half, with Rico Lewis scoring twice, along with goals from debutant Antoine Semenyo, Tijjani Reijnders, Nico O'Reilly, and Ryan McAidoo. George Birch scored a consolation goal for Exeter in the 90th minute, but Lewis quickly responded with his second goal, sealing the 10-1 victory.

Lijnders, who took charge of the game in the absence of the suspended Pep Guardiola, emphasized the importance of the win after failing to win the last three games. "We want to reach finals this year and we are on our way," Lijnders stated. He highlighted the team's ongoing participation in the League Cup, FA Cup, and Champions League, stressing the desire to "grow, to build, [and] to make the next step as a team".

Lijnders also lauded Antoine Semenyo's debut performance, noting that the forward is "settling in well". He added, "He brings something to the front line that we really want and we need. He can attack quick, he wants to chase, he is a guy who doesn't stop". Semenyo himself was given the highest SofaScore rating of any player, a 9.5.

The victory marked Manchester City's biggest FA Cup win from a top-flight side since 1960 and their joint biggest win ever, equaling their 10-1 victory over Huddersfield Town in 1987. It was also Exeter's worst defeat ever. City now prepare to face Newcastle in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final on Tuesday, followed by a Manchester derby against Manchester United next weekend.