Manchester City delivered a stunning performance in the FA Cup third round, overwhelming Salford City with an 8-0 victory at the Etihad Stadium. This resounding win marks a significant turnaround for Pep Guardiola’s side, who had previously struggled with only one win in their last thirteen matches, causing them to drop to sixth place in the league standings. With this latest triumph, City has now secured three consecutive wins.
Despite facing a League Two team, City showed no mercy. James McAtee stole the show with a hat-trick, while Jeremy Doku added two goals. The scoresheet also featured contributions from Nico O’Reilly, Jack Grealish, and Divin Mubama, who started in place of Erling Haaland for a much-needed rest.
Grealish, who ended a 13-month goal drought with a penalty, expressed relief following the match. His performance alongside the young talents showed an indication of City’s trademark ruthlessness. Historically, City has dominated lower-division teams, achieving 25 consecutive victories against them since suffering a shock FA Cup defeat to Wigan in 2018.
Salford City’s boss Karl Robinson acknowledged the quality of their opponents, emphasizing the improvement his team has made over the last year as they strive for promotion from League Two. While the outcome was disappointing, Robinson was optimistic moving forward, indicating that this high-profile match serves as a learning experience.
James McAtee shared his joy post-match, stating the hat-trick was special to him, especially given his long association with the club. Overall, this match served as a reminder of City’s quality and a stepping stone in their quest for further domestic success this season.
As seen in this match, Manchester City is not just finding their rhythm again but also integrating young talents into their setup, bringing hope for the future of the club. This performance could signal the beginning of a new phase where they continue to build momentum moving forward in competitions.