Manchester City cruised into the FA Cup fourth round with an emphatic 8-0 demolition job of Salford City in what proved to be a grudge (mis)match at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday. Pep Guardiola’s side produced a professional display to warm up the sub-zero stadium and humble the League Two promotion-chasers.
Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt were the Class of ’92 representatives on enemy grounds, but there was no sign of Gary Neville. Ryan Giggs, also a co-owner, continued his unique assistant coach role on the bench.
Jeremy Doku, Divin Mubama, Nico O’Reilly, Jack Grealish and James McAtee scored the goals to guide City to a third consecutive win in all competitions.
Unsurprisingly wasn’t tested.
Jahmai Simpson-Pusey – 7
Enjoyed his return to Guardiola’s starting line-up. Produced an accurate long ball in the build-up to Doku’s opener and almost doubled the lead, only to be denied on the goalline.
Nathan Ake – 6
Didn’t look at full fitness in a comfortable outing for City’s back three and was replaced by Manuel Akanji at half-time.
Nico O’Reilly – 8
Dream evening’s work. Showcased pace, power and confidence on the ball and topped it offer with his first professional goal.
Matheus Nunes – 7
Continued to look better out wide than he has in midfield since joining City. Provided the assist for Mubama’s tap-in.
James McAtee – 9
Hat-trick hero. Could easily be a 10, in fairness, but wasn’t as involved in the first half.
Guardiola needs to use him more in the second half of the season and surely acknowledges his continued snubs as a mistake. Rarely looks out of place in this City team. Took his first goal very well.
Ilkay Gundogan – 7
Has not had a good time of things since returning to Manchester but had a comfortable night.
Jack Grealish – 8
Creative display. Hadn’t scored a goal since December 16, 2023, before adding a fourth from the penalty spot. He was never giving the ball to the “young lad” like Danny Murphy suggested on BBC’s commentary.
Savinho – 5
Fired a few shots off but the £31million summer signing looked far inferior to his wing counterpart, Doku.
Jeremy Doku – 10
Two goals, two assists, most chances created, most dribbles completed and a 100 per cent pass accuracy. Player of the Match.
It’s easy to focus on the opposition, but this was a perfect display. Salford couldn’t contain his pace and power with the ball on his feet, and he displayed relentless creativity that has often been scarce since his arrival.
Divin Mubama – 7
A rewarding first City start for the 20-year-old. It was impossible to miss the open goal gifted to him by Nunes.
Substitutes
Manuel Akanji – 6
One of the most comfortable 45 minutes of football he’ll ever have.
Phil Foden – 7
Played 35 minutes, created two chances and notched an assist.
Mateo Kovacic – 6
Standard procedure.
