Narrow win for Man City against Salford

Manchester City 2 - 0 Salford City 

A heavily rotated Man City side endured a nervy afternoon but ultimately did enough to overcome League Two opposition Salford City

Author | Macca

Stadium | Etihad Stadium

City corner

The seven-time winners, who scored 10 goals against Exeter City in the previous round, made the perfect start when Alfie Dorrington diverted the ball into his own net inside six minutes. 

It proved to be a deceptive opening, however, as City struggled to impose themselves thereafter despite making nine changes to the starting lineup.

Any early momentum was further disrupted when defender Max Alleyne was forced off with an injury in the 22nd minute. Salford, beaten 8-0 by City at the same stage last season, recovered impressively from the early setback and began to cause genuine problems.

Teams arrive onto the pitch

Salford caused the blues problems

Ben Woodburn, formerly of Liverpool, drew a smart save from James Trafford, while Brandon Cooper headed narrowly wide from a corner on the stroke of half-time. The visitors continued to threaten after the break, with Kelly N’Mai firing straight at Trafford from a promising position.

With Erling Haaland absent, Pep Guardiola turned to his bench in search of greater urgency, introducing Antoine Semenyo, Marc Guehi and Nico O’Reilly. The change proved decisive as Guehi scored his first goal for the club to settle the tie.

The England defender, who helped Crystal Palace defeat City in last season’s final, reacted quickest after goalkeeper Matthew Young could only push a cross into his path, finishing calmly to ensure safe passage for Guardiola’s side.