Manchester City showcased their attacking prowess during the FA Cup third round, delivering an overwhelming 8-0 victory against Salford City, a team with notable ties to Manchester United’s legends. The match at the Etihad Stadium highlighted City’s ability to dominate, even with a significantly altered lineup.
Bringing in several fresh faces, City quickly set the tone of the match. Jérémy Doku opened the scoring in the eighth minute, connecting well with Matheus Nunes and finishing with a left-footed shot that hit the post. The dominance continued as Divin Mubama marked his senior debut by scoring a tap-in shortly after, followed by Nico O’Reilly’s goal before halftime, leaving Salford struggling to keep pace.
In a remarkable moment, Jack Grealish broke his year-long goal drought, scoring a penalty early in the second half after being brought down in the box. His contribution was complemented by James McAtee, who notched his first senior hat trick. McAtee’s goals came in quick succession, demonstrating City’s relentless offensive pressure. The rout concluded with another penalty from Doku, emphasizing the total control City maintained throughout the match.
Despite Salford’s impressive defensive record coming into the game, having not conceded in their last six matches, they faced a formidable challenge from a well-drilled City side, proving the gap in class. Salford’s co-owners, consisting of prominent Manchester United figures, witnessed firsthand the high-caliber play that Pep Guardiola’s men are known for. Salford manager Karl Robinson reflected humorously on the unexpected nature of the scoreline, acknowledging the harsh lesson delivered by City.
Given the successful outing in the cup, this performance not only boosts Manchester City’s confidence as they progress but also brings a bright spot for both players like McAtee, who are stepping up on big stages, and for the club’s aspirations in the tournament. As the team continues to blend youth with experience, they remain a formidable contender in the FA Cup.