Manchester City’s 10–1 thrashing of Exeter City in the third round was expected. What wasn’t expected was how loudly Max Alleyne’s name echoed among City fans after the final whistle at the Etihad.
Rico Lewis struck a brace as City ran riot, while Rodri, Antoine Semenyo, Tijjani Reijnders, Nico O’Riley and Ryan McAidoo all found the net. Two own goals from Exeter only added to the chaos on a night when Pep Guardiola’s side showed no mercy.
Yet, despite the flood of goals, much of the post-match conversation revolved around Alleyne, making his second appearance since returning from Watford.
The young defender set the tone early, opening the scoring in the 12th minute with a confident finish that immediately lifted the home crowd. Rodri doubled the lead in the 24th minute before Exeter’s Jake Doyle-Hayes and Jack Fitzwater turned the ball into their own net late in the first half, giving City a four-goal cushion at the break.
After the restart, Lewis added City’s fifth in the 49th minute, Semenyo struck five minutes later, Reijnders made it seven in the 71st, and O’Riley capped off another flowing team move eight minutes after that.
But while the scoreline told one story, City fans were telling another.
“Alleyne looks like he’s been in this system for years,” one supporter wrote, pointing to his calmness under pressure.
Others highlighted his positioning and confidence on the ball, with many noting how naturally he stepped into midfield during build-up play — a key demand in Guardiola’s setup.
“You can tell Pep trusts him already. He never hides,” another fan posted.
There was also praise for his physicality and maturity, especially considering his age and recent loan spell.
“That Watford loan did him wonders. Stronger, sharper, and way more composed,” a fan observed.
Some supporters even went further, suggesting Alleyne could challenge for minutes in cup competitions this season.
“If he keeps playing like this, he’s not going back out on loan,” read one reaction.
For many, this second appearance was more convincing than his first. Fans felt it wasn’t just about the goal, but about how comfortable he looked alongside senior players like Rodri and Lewis, rarely putting a foot wrong.
“It’s not the goal that impressed me — it’s how safe he makes everything look,” another supporter added.
In a match filled with goals and individual highlights, Max Alleyne still managed to steal a share of the spotlight. And judging by the unified reaction from Manchester City fans, the message is clear: they believe he’s ready for more.
If this performance is any indication, Pep Guardiola may have another internal solution quietly emerging — and City fans are already fully on board.
