Manchester City stormed into the fourth round of the FA Cup with a resounding 8-0 victory over League Two side Salford City at the Etihad Stadium. James McAtee stole the show with a hat-trick, while Jeremy Doku and Jack Grealish also delivered standout performances.
Match Overview
City set the tone early, taking the lead after just four minutes through a swift counterattack finished by Jeremy Doku. Divin Mubama added a second goal 20 minutes in, and Nico O’Reilly’s composed strike before halftime made it three.
Jack Grealish won and converted a penalty early in the second half to score his first goal of the season, paving the way for McAtee to take center stage. The young midfielder netted three times, showcasing his finishing prowess, while Doku added another penalty to round off the scoring.
Player Ratings
Man City Starting XI (3-4-2-1)
- GK: Ederson (7.9/10): Had little to do but commanded his area well when required. A clean sheet was the cherry on top.
- CB: Nico O’Reilly (8.9/10): Played an unfamiliar defensive role with composure and scored a well-taken goal.
- CB: Jahmai Simpson-Pusey (7.4/10): Solid at the back, dealing effectively with Salford’s rare forays forward.
- CB: Nathan Ake (6.3/10): Subdued outing; replaced at halftime to rest for upcoming fixtures.
- RWB: Matheus Nunes (7.6/10): Energetic down the right flank, contributing to City’s attacking fluidity.
- CM: James McAtee (9.7/10): The star of the show. Scored a hat-trick and dictated play from midfield with confidence.
- CM: Ilkay Gundogan (7.4/10): Controlled the tempo and provided stability in midfield.
- LWB: Jack Grealish (9.4/10): Won a penalty, converted it, and was a constant threat on the left.
- RW: Savinho (6.7/10): Showed flashes of skill but struggled to make a lasting impact.
- ST: Divin Mubama (7.6/10): Took his goal well and linked up effectively with City’s attackers.
- LW: Jeremy Doku (9.5/10): Electric performance with a goal, an assist, and a penalty won.
Substitutes
- Manuel Akanji (46′ for Ake, 6.8/10): Steady performance, helped maintain City’s clean sheet.
- Phil Foden (55′ for Savinho, 7.1/10): Added creativity and energy after coming on.
- Mateo Kovacic (74′ for Doku, 6.3/10): Helped see out the game with composure.
Subs not used: Stefan Ortega (GK), Josko Gvardiol, Rico Lewis, Bernardo Silva, Kevin De Bruyne, Erling Haaland.
Key Talking Points
McAtee’s Breakthrough Performance
James McAtee was unplayable, netting a well-deserved hat-trick. The young midfielder’s confidence and technical ability stood out, marking him as a key player for City’s future.
Doku’s Electric Display
Jeremy Doku tormented Salford’s defense throughout the game. His pace, trickery, and directness resulted in a goal, an assist, and a penalty won.
Jack Grealish Breaks His Duck
Grealish finally got off the mark for the season with a composed penalty. His overall performance was sharp, and he will hope this is the start of a scoring run.
Youthful Energy
City’s blend of experienced stars and promising youngsters proved too much for Salford. Divin Mubama and Nico O’Reilly both impressed, showing Guardiola’s faith in his academy prospects.
What’s Next?
Manchester City advance to the FA Cup fourth round, with their attention now shifting to their upcoming fixtures against Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain. This dominant display will provide a confidence boost as City look to build momentum across all competitions.
