Manchester City overcame a few major frights and an injury blow to defeat League Two Salford City in the FA Cup and secured their spot in Monday’s fifth-round draw.
The seven-time champions, who scored 10 against Exeter City in the third round, began swiftly on Saturday when Alfie Dorrington scored an own goal within six minutes.
Nevertheless, the hosts—making nine changes—found it difficult to extend their advantage and lost defender Max Alleyne due to injury in the 22nd minute.
Salford, beaten 8-0 by City in last season’s third round, regrouped after an early goal and nearly scored twice before halftime.
Ex-Liverpool player Ben Woodburn compelled a brilliant save from James Trafford, while Brandon Cooper missed a header from a corner just before halftime.
After the break, Salford had additional opportunities to score, as Dutch midfielder Kelly N’Mai shot directly at Trafford’s chest.
Guardiola, missing Erling Haaland, introduced Antoine Semenyo, Marc Guehi, and Nico O’Reilly to add some vigor to a dull display—and Guehi delivered with his inaugural goal for the club to seal the match.
The England defender, instrumental in Crystal Palace’s victory over Guardiola’s team in last season’s final, scored after keeper Matthew Young could only deflect a cross into his way.
Guehi, who was part of the Eagles team surprised by non-league Macclesfield in the third round, had only become eligible to play for City after a change to the competition’s rules before the 2025-26 season.
Under the previous regulations, Guehi would have been cup-tied; however, the Football Association now states that “a player may play for a maximum of one other club in the competition proper” but cannot represent two different teams in the same round.
The 25-year-old is among 27 players who have played for two teams in the FA Cup since the change.
This triumph extended City’s winning streak in FA Cup home matches to 17, following their elimination by Championship team Middlesbrough in the fourth round of 2015.
The run consists of 77 goals and 11 shutouts, yet this was a rough outing for a team aiming for its fourth consecutive FA Cup final.
Salford, jointly owned by ex-Manchester United legends Gary Neville and David Beckham, were competitive until Guehi increased the home side’s lead in the 81st minute, and they will be encouraged by this display as they aim for promotion to League One.
Although Guardiola’s team did not reach peak performance, a few positives could still be gleaned from this display.
John Stones returned unscathed from his first start since November, while Trafford—filling in for usual starter Gianluigi Donnarumma—made several good saves as he aims to secure a spot in the starting XI for next month’s Carabao Cup final against Arsenal.
Guehi’s first goal for Manchester City was also a reason to celebrate, as the center-back struck to alleviate some home anxieties in the closing moments.
