Manchester City showcased their dominance in the FA Cup third round by delivering a resounding 8-0 victory against League Two’s Salford City at the Etihad Stadium. The game highlighted the gap in class between the Premier League giants and their lower-league opponents, who are co-owned by former Manchester United stars including Gary Neville and David Beckham.
City’s performance was marked by a much-changed lineup, which included Divin Mubama scoring on his senior debut, along with Jack Grealish finally breaking a year-long goal drought via the penalty spot. James McAtee emerged as a standout performer, scoring a hat-trick in the second half.
The scoring began early, with Jérémy Doku finding the net in the eighth minute. Mubama doubled the lead shortly after, capitalizing on a pass from Matheus Nunes, ensuring City was well in command before Nico O’Reilly added another goal to make it 3-0 just before halftime.
After the break, Grealish earned and converted a penalty to extend City’s lead. McAtee then took center stage, scoring three times within a 20-minute span, showcasing impressive finishing to complete his first senior hat-trick. Doku capped off the scoring with another penalty, solidifying City’s emphatic win.
Salford’s boss, Karl Robinson, acknowledged the challenge posed by City, expressing admiration for their quality. Despite his side’s previous success—holding six games without conceding—a match against a top-tier team proved too much, leading Robinson to humorously reflect on the surprising nature of conceding eight goals at once.
City manager Pep Guardiola’s decision to rotate his squad proved effective, with key players ready to jump in if needed, but they never faced significant pressure from Salford. The victory sends a clear message about City’s intentions in the FA Cup as they continue their pursuit of success in the tournament.
This match not only underscores City’s current prowess but also serves as a reminder of the competitive landscape in English football, where even strong lower-league teams can face daunting challenges against established elite clubs.