Marc Guehi marked a personal milestone by scoring his first goal for Manchester City, sealing a hard-fought 2-0 victory over League Two side Salford City in the FA Cup fourth round.
While the result ensured Pep Guardiola’s men progressed without major alarm, the performance was far from the emphatic display many anticipated at the Etihad Stadium.
City made a swift start, forcing the breakthrough inside six minutes. Rayan Ait-Nouri’s dangerous delivery caused panic in the Salford defence, and Alfie Dorrington inadvertently diverted the ball into his own net under pressure.
Given City’s 8-0 demolition of the same opponents at this stage last season, the early lead appeared to signal another one-sided contest.
Instead, the Premier League champions found rhythm difficult to establish. Salford, owned by former Manchester United figures including Gary Neville and David Beckham, showed little sign of intimidation on their historic first appearance in the competition’s fourth round.
The visitors pressed with discipline and even threatened an equaliser before the interval, with Brandon Cooper heading narrowly wide from a set piece.
City struggled to register sustained attacking momentum, and goalkeeper James Trafford was required to stay alert when Ben Woodburn and Kelly N’Mai tested the defence. The hosts’ lack of cutting edge prolonged the tension, leaving the contest delicately poised entering the final stages.
Guehi eventually settled matters in the 81st minute. After Matt Young parried Rayan Cherki’s incisive pass into the six-yard area, the defender reacted quickest to tap home and double the advantage.
The goal not only confirmed City’s progression but also offered Guehi a memorable moment following his January move from Crystal Palace.
