Manchester City 2-0 Salford City: Marc Guéhi nets first City goal as holders advance
Manchester City overcame a spirited Salford City side to reach the FA Cup fifth round, winning 2-0 on Saturday (ET). An early own goal from Alfie Dorrington gave City the lead, but it took until the closing stages for substitute Marc Guéhi to seal the tie with his first goal for the club.
Fast start, injury blow and Salford threat
City looked set for a comfortable afternoon when Alfie Dorrington turned a cross into his own net inside six minutes, handing the hosts an early advantage. Despite that bright opening, Manchester City – who made nine changes to the XI – struggled to impose themselves for long spells, and their momentum was disrupted when defender Max Alleyne limped off injured in the 22nd minute.
Salford, competing in League Two, regrouped after the early setback and increasingly troubled City with quick transitions and set-piece opportunities. Ben Woodburn forced a sharp save from James Trafford before the break, and Brandon Cooper headed wide from a corner right at the interval. In the second half, Dutch midfielder Kelly N'Mai saw a powerful effort palmed into his path by Trafford, keeping Salford alive and City under pressure.
Substitutions pay off and Guéhi finishes it
With the game becoming frustrating for the hosts, Pep Guardiola introduced Antoine Semenyo, Marc Guéhi and Nico O'Reilly to inject energy. The changes paid dividends when Guéhi – playing for City after a competition regulation refresh made him eligible – reacted to a parried cross, slotting home from close range in the 80th minute to make it 2-0 and put the tie beyond doubt.
The defender’s goal was notable not only for its timing but for being his first for Manchester City. It was the decisive moment that ended a contest in which the holders rarely found fluency despite dominating possession for long spells.
Manager mood, legacy and what comes next
Guardiola was candid after the win, labelling the performance "boring" and criticising his side’s inability to read spaces and create more fluid attacking play. The manager’s primary satisfaction was progression; City now await Monday's fifth-round draw (ET), while their FA Cup home run extends to 17 straight victories since the 2015 fourth-round exit.
Missing several regulars, including their injured top striker, City still navigated past a resilient lower-league opponent and a couple of late scares to protect their status in the competition. Salford leave with credit for a disciplined display and chances that at times suggested an upset might be on the cards.
For Manchester City, the result is functional rather than flattering: another step forward in a packed schedule, but little to suggest the side were at their most convincing. For Salford, the narrow defeat offered encouraging evidence that, given the right day, they can make top-flight opponents work hard in cup competition.
