Manchester City edge past Salford City to reach FA Cup fifth round despite flat display

Manchester City are safely through to the fifth round of the FA Cup, but there was little for Pep Guardiola to celebrate after a laboured home win over League Two side Salford City.

On paper, it was a routine cup tie at the Etihad. In reality, it was anything but comfortable.

City enjoyed the vast majority of possession and scored early, yet struggled to control the rhythm of the game or impose their usual authority. Salford, three divisions below their hosts, left with credit and could argue they deserved more from a night when they showed courage, organisation and attacking intent.

Early breakthrough fails to spark City

The opening goal arrived in fortunate fashion. A sharp cross from Rayan Ait-Nouri caused problems in the Salford box and defender Alfie Dorrington inadvertently turned the ball into his own net.

At that point, many expected City to dominate fully and turn the match into a one-sided contest. Instead, the tempo dipped.

City kept the ball but lacked urgency. Their passing in midfield was slow, and attacks frequently broke down before reaching dangerous areas. Salford, rather than retreating, began to grow into the contest.

Twice they went close to beating James Trafford. The City goalkeeper was forced into action late in the first half, tipping over a powerful effort from Woodburn to preserve the lead. It was a reminder that cup football rarely follows the script.

Guardiola forced into changes

With the game finely balanced, Guardiola reacted in the second half. He introduced Rodri, Antoine Semenyo, Marc Guehi and Nico O’Reilly in an effort to restore control and add intensity.

The changes proved decisive.

Semenyo immediately brought energy and directness that had been missing. His willingness to run at defenders and win fouls shifted momentum. One such set-piece eventually led to the second goal, with Guehi reacting well inside the area to find the net and make the tie safe.

It was not vintage City, but it was enough.

A night of mixed individual performances

City’s performance was uneven, reflected in the individual displays across the pitch.

James Trafford earned a solid rating for his alert goalkeeping, particularly with that late first-half save. Without him, the match could have taken a different direction.

At the back, there were warning signs. John Stones, making his first start in nearly three months, looked short of match sharpness. He was caught out on several occasions and appeared rusty. Marc Guehi’s introduction added composure and ultimately delivered the crucial second goal.

Rayan Ait-Nouri began brightly, playing a key role in the opening goal, but struggled to influence proceedings as the focus of play shifted away from his flank.

In midfield, City were below their usual standards. Gonzalez found it difficult to control the tempo despite the team’s heavy possession. Tijjani Reijnders endured a particularly difficult evening, with misplaced passes and poor decisions disrupting promising moves. Phil Foden also struggled to find space or create chances and was replaced after an hour.

In attack, Marmoush had a frustrating outing. He thought he had scored a spectacular goal, only for it to be ruled out for offside. While unlucky in that moment, he was caught beyond the defensive line too often.

Salford leave with pride

Salford deserve significant credit for their display. They pressed bravely, defended with discipline and attacked whenever opportunities arose. For long spells, they frustrated City and made the Premier League champions look uncomfortable.

They may feel unfortunate not to have scored. Trafford’s intervention and a few near misses were all that separated them from a famous cup upset.

For a League Two side to compete in that manner at the Etihad speaks volumes about their organisation and belief.

What it means for City

Progression in the FA Cup remains the primary objective, and City achieved that. Cup competitions are rarely about perfection; they are about survival.

Yet Guardiola will be aware that sharper performances are required in later rounds. Against stronger opposition, the lack of intensity and creativity shown here could prove costly.

The positive signs came from the bench. Semenyo’s impact was immediate, while Guehi’s calm presence stabilised the defence. Rodri’s return added balance in midfield, even in a brief appearance.

The depth of the squad ultimately made the difference — something Salford simply could not match.

Job done, but questions remain

City move into the fifth round, keeping their hopes of silverware alive. However, this was a reminder that dominance of possession does not automatically translate into control of a match.

Salford tested them physically and mentally. For long stretches, City looked short of sharpness and creativity.

Guardiola will not be overly concerned — progress is progress — but he will expect more in the next round.

For now, the Blues march on in the FA Cup. Yet on a night when a League Two side came within touching distance of a shock, City were reminded that reputation alone wins nothing.