City Watch: Blues send a message

There are weeks in a football season that quietly tell you a lot about a club. 

Not just about form, but about culture, depth and direction. For Manchester City, the last seven days have been one of those weeks.

It began on Saturday with an FA Cup tie against Exeter City, a couple of divisions below City but travelling in huge numbers and with genuine anticipation. 

FA Cup days still matter, and the atmosphere reflected that. What perhaps nobody quite expected was the manner in which City asserted themselves.

From the opening stages, Pep Guardiola’s side made their intent clear. The tempo, the movement and the precision were relentless, and by the final whistle a remarkable 10–1 scoreline told its own story. 

For City supporters, it was an afternoon to enjoy. For Exeter, despite the score, there was a sense of having witnessed a team operating at the very highest level and at full throttle. Sometimes the FA Cup gives you romance; sometimes it gives you a masterclass.

One of the standout elements was the debut of Semenyo, who had only completed his move on the Friday. 

One training session, straight into the side, and he looked as though he had been there all season. 

An assist, a goal, and intelligent movement throughout a debut that spoke volumes not just about his quality, but about how well defined City’s playing principles are. When players arrive and immediately understand their role, that is no accident.

There was also a hugely encouraging performance from the young academy graduate Max Alleyne recalled from a loan spell at Watford. Thrown into a senior FA Cup tie, he played with a maturity well beyond his years, assured on the ball, brave in possession and tactically disciplined. It was another reminder that City’s academy continues to produce footballers ready for the biggest stages, and crucially, that Pep backs them. He always has.

Tuesday night brought a very different test away at Newcastle United for the EFL Cup, St James Park is a ground that is never easy, particularly under the lights. 

The Toon army was loud, hostile and demanding, exactly as you would expect. Newcastle had chances and moments, but City never lost their shape or belief.

What impressed me most was the control. The passing, the rotation of positions and the willingness to keep probing eventually told.

Pep’s substitutions were timed perfectly and changed the dynamic when required. 

Cherki again looked completely at home in a City shirt, comfortable between the lines, creative under pressure and decisive in key moments. 

Semenyo continued his strong start with another goal, making it two games and two goals, and reinforcing the feeling that City have added real quality out wide.

The goal that effectively settled the tie was a moment of collective excellence, intelligent build-up, sharp movement and a composed finish by Rayan Cherki.

It was City at their best, patient, purposeful and ruthless when it mattered.

So two wins, progression in the FA Cup, and in the 1st leg of the EFL cup semi final momentum building nicely as attention now turns to the weekend and the derby at Old Trafford against Manchester United. A fixture that never needs selling.

United will be desperate for a response following recent upheaval, with Michael Carrick taking charge on an interim basis after the departure of Ruben Amorim. 

Derbies have a habit of ignoring form, and City will know that.

From the blue side of Manchester, though, this feels like an opportunity. City are chasing Arsenal, and closing that gap matters. A win at Old Trafford is always a statement regardless of circumstances.

If the last week has shown us anything, it’s that City are finding rhythm, integrating new signings seamlessly and continuing to trust the academy.

 Under Pep Guardiola, that combination remains as powerful as ever.