Gary Caldwell reacts to FA Cup third round defeat where Manchester City showed their quality against Exeter City in a ruthless eleven goal encounter.
Erling Haaland, Antoine Semenyo, Rodri were amongst the surprisingly strong starting eleven that Pep Guardiola fielded against Exeter City, with Gary Caldwell quickly realising the hosts' intentions. "When the team sheets came in, we saw their intent and what they wanted to do here today."
The Grecians came close in the opening minutes when Liam Oakes' header from a corner was tipped over by James Trafford, "I think we started the game quite well. We had a moment from a corner, the goalkeeper made a good save. We had other counter attacks where decision making could have been better."
The Grecians' sturdy defence that has been on display in the league this season will have felt disappointed by a plethora of poor goals conceded. "I think the goals we conceded were poor. At any level you play at you can't concede goals like that."
7,800 Exeter City fans made the trip to the Etihad, not leaving until the full-time whistle and rewarded with a stunning constellation from George Birch. "Remarkable. I heard them when Joe and the goalkeepers, when the team came out for the warmups. They stayed with us and clapped us at the end when it was a really humbling defeat."
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