In a weekend of contrasting fortunes in the FA Cup, Manchester City secured their passage to the next round, albeit with a performance that lacked its customary fluency. The victory was sealed late in the game by defender Marc Guehi, who netted his inaugural goal for the club since his transfer. This decisive strike in the 81st minute finally put to bed the stubborn resistance offered by Salford City, a team from the fourth tier of English football.
The encounter at the Etihad Stadium had begun in a manner typical for the reigning champions, with an early advantage gifted to them. The breakthrough arrived via an own goal from Alfie Dorrington, a moment of misfortune for the visiting defender that handed Pep Guardiola‘s side the lead. However, what many anticipated would become a routine procession turned into a more labored affair, as City struggled to translate their dominance into a second, game-killing goal against their determined, lower-league opponents.
Stunning Cup Upset as Clarets Crash Out
While the Etihad witnessed an expected, if not entirely convincing, progression, the day’s major shock unfolded elsewhere. Burnley, a Premier League side, suffered a humiliating and premature exit from the competition, succumbing to a defeat against Mansfield Town. The loss represents a significant embarrassment for the top-flight club, underscoring the unpredictable and magic nature of the world’s oldest cup competition, where reputations and league standings often count for little.
Returning to the events in Manchester, the tension was palpable as the clock ticked down, with Salford’s disciplined rearguard action threatening to force a nervy finale. The crucial moment of relief for the home supporters came with just nine minutes of regular time remaining. It was then that Marc Guehi found the net, applying the finishing touch to a move that ultimately killed off the contest and ensured Manchester City avoided any potential late drama. The 2-0 scoreline, while reflective of the gulf in quality on paper, did not fully capture the competitive spirit displayed by the visitors for large portions of the match.