Man City vs Salford FA Cup: A Dominant Display
Man City delivered a masterclass in the FA Cup third round, thrashing League Two side Salford City 8-0 at the Etihad Stadium. The match, which saw James McAtee score a stunning hat-trick and Jeremy Doku shine with two goals, was a testament to City’s attacking prowess and depth. This emphatic victory ensures their progression to the fourth round, leaving Salford’s “Class of ‘92” owners, including Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs, with little to celebrate.
FT: MAN CITY 8-0 Salford City
— Match Spoots (@matchspoots) January 11, 2025
What a dominant performance by Manchester City! An incredible 8-0 victory over Salford City. The team was on fire tonight! 🔥💙 #ManCity #MCFC #Football pic.twitter.com/4ecpBh6tda
James McAtee Steals the Show
James McAtee, a product of City’s academy, was the star of the night. The 22-year-old midfielder netted three goals in just 19 minutes, showcasing his clinical finishing and composure. His first goal came in the 62nd minute, followed by a quickfire double in the 72nd and 81st minutes. McAtee’s performance not only earned him the match ball but also highlighted his potential to become a key player for Pep Guardiola’s side.
Jeremy Doku’s Electrifying Performance
Jeremy Doku was another standout performer, contributing two goals and two assists. The Belgian winger opened the scoring in the 8th minute with a precise finish and later converted a penalty in the 69th minute. His pace and creativity on the flanks were too much for Salford’s defense to handle, making him a constant threat throughout the game.
Jack Grealish Ends Goal Drought
Jack Grealish also made headlines by ending his 13-month goal drought. The England international won and converted a penalty in the 49th minute, marking his first goal since December 2023. Grealish’s performance was a confidence booster, as he also provided two assists, proving his worth in City’s star-studded lineup.
Salford’s Night to Forget
For Salford City, the match was a harsh reality check. Despite their impressive form in League Two, they were outclassed by City’s superior quality. The visitors struggled to create meaningful chances, with their only notable attempt coming from Kylian Kouassi, whose shot was comfortably saved by Ederson. Salford’s manager, Karl Robinson, admitted his side was outplayed, calling it a “glimmer of what we want to be”.
What’s Next for Man City?
With this commanding win, Manchester City advance to the FA Cup fourth round, where they will look to continue their quest for silverware. The performance also serves as a reminder of their depth, with young talents like McAtee and Nico O’Reilly stepping up. As Pep Guardiola’s side regains momentum, fans will be eager to see if they can replicate this form in the Premier League and Champions League.
In summary, Man City’s 8-0 victory over Salford in the FA Cup third round was a showcase of their attacking brilliance and squad depth. With James McAtee’s hat-trick and Jeremy Doku’s electrifying display, City sent a strong message to their rivals. Salford, on the other hand, will need to regroup and focus on their promotion push in League Two.
