Man City Defeats Salford City 2-0: February 2026 Match Review

Manchester City secured their place in the fifth round of the FA Cup with a 2-0 victory over Salford City on Saturday, February 2026. This match, held at the Etihad Stadium, showcased City’s ability to win despite making nine changes to their lineup.

Key Events from the Match

The game started with an early own goal from Salford’s Alfie Dorrington in the sixth minute. This unfortunate incident shifted the match’s momentum in favor of Manchester City. Although City dominated possession, the match lacked intensity following the own goal.

Salford’s Response

Despite the setback, Salford City attempted to challenge their Premier League opponents. Ben Woodburn, a former Liverpool midfielder, forced a notable save from City’s goalkeeper James Trafford before halftime.

Decisive Moments

• 6th Minute: Alfie Dorrington’s own goal put Manchester City in the lead.
• 22nd Minute: Max Alleyne, City’s right-back, was injured in a collision.
• 81st Minute: Marc Guéhi scored a second goal, cementing City’s victory.

Salford, who are partly owned by ex-Manchester United stars Gary Neville and David Beckham, held steady through the first half. They created chances, including a near miss from Brandon Cooper and another opportunity for Woodburn.

Manchester City’s Strategy

Manchester City continued to press in the second half but struggled to break through. They grew more dangerous after manager Pep Guardiola made key substitutions, bringing on Antoine Semenyo, Nico O’Reilly, and Marc Guehi.

Guehi sealed the win late in the match, capitalizing on a rebound for his first goal with the club. Semenyo also came close to adding to the scoreline but struck the post in the final minutes.

Looking Ahead

With this win, Manchester City will now focus on their upcoming Premier League fixtures. Guardiola’s decision to rest key players, including top scorer Erling Haaland and captain Bernardo Silva, indicates a strategic approach as they continue to chase the league title.

This match exemplified Manchester City’s depth and ability to secure results even when not at their peak performance. The focus now shifts to their next challenges in both the FA Cup and Premier League.