Manchester City demonstrated a return to form with an emphatic 8-0 victory over Salford City in the FA Cup third round, continuing to shake off a previously challenging spell. The win marks City’s third consecutive victory after experiencing a dismal stretch of just one win in their last thirteen matches, which had seen them slide to sixth in the Premier League.
Despite Pep Guardiola fielding a heavily rotated squad, the match was one-sided, with standout performances from several players. James McAtee showcased his potential by scoring a hat-trick, while Jeremy Doku added two goals. Contributions came from Nico O’Reilly, Jack Grealish, and young forward Divin Mubama, who was given a chance to start in place of usual star Erling Haaland.
City’s dominance throughout the match was evident, as they managed to score early and did not let up. Their scoring began in the eighth minute with Doku finding the bottom corner. This was quickly followed by goals from Mubama and O’Reilly, with Grealish converting a penalty shortly after halftime. McAtee further capitalized on Doku’s creativity to add to the score with the remaining goals.
Following the match, Salford’s manager, Karl Robinson, expressed pride in his players despite the heavy loss, noting the importance of learning from the experience. He mentioned that Salford has made significant progress in the past year and remains focused on their ultimate goal of promotion from League Two.
Alan Shearer lauded Grealish’s performance, emphasizing that scoring even in a match that seemed a ‘non-contest’ can significantly boost a player’s confidence. Grealish’s goal marked the end of his 13-month drought, signifying a potential turning point for him.
James McAtee also reflected on his thrilling performance, expressing joy in netting a hat-trick and the significance of the occasion for him personally.
This victory not only secures Manchester City’s progression to the next round of the FA Cup but also suggests that they are regaining their trademark attacking form, which could bode well for their upcoming fixtures.
As Manchester City looks to maintain this momentum, Salford City can take heart in their growing achievements in League Two, demonstrating resilience and determination as they continue to pursue their promotional ambitions. The experience gained from playing against one of the Premier League’s top teams will undoubtedly serve them well in their future matches.