Manchester City continued their winning streak with a dominant 7-0 victory over Salford City in the FA Cup, highlighted by James McAtee’s brilliant hat-trick and Jack Grealish’s long-awaited goal. Facing a Salford side owned by Manchester United legends, the gulf in class between the two teams was evident as Pep Guardiola’s men showcased their superiority.
McAtee, born in Salford, delivered a standout performance. His first goal came through a sharp finish from Phil Foden’s pinpoint cross, while his second, a clinical tap-in from Jack Grealish’s delivery, demonstrated his predatory instincts. The hat-trick was completed with a powerful run into the box and a lethal strike, capping off a dream performance for the young midfielder.
Dominant Display from City
City’s onslaught began within 10 minutes when Jérémy Doku capitalized on Ossama Ashley’s miscontrol, finishing off a smooth team move with a strike that deflected off the post. Divin Mubama, making his debut, added the second goal with a simple tap-in following a neat exchange between Matheus Nunes and Savinho. Mubama later played a role in winning a penalty, which Grealish converted for his first goal since December 2023.
Doku added a second goal from the penalty spot after Curtis Tilt handled his shot, and Nico O’Reilly joined the party with a composed finish after combining with Doku in the box.
Despite occasional defensive lapses, Guardiola’s side maintained control, with the likes of Erling Haaland, Kevin De Bruyne, and Foden waiting on the bench if needed. Salford had brief moments of hope, but missed chances by Kylian Kouassi and Matty Lund left them without a consolation goal.
Guardiola's Perspective
After the match, Guardiola invited Salford’s players to the City dressing room in a gesture of sportsmanship. He praised McAtee, calling him "a special player," but noted there was room for improvement in his overall game. "His work ethic is unbelievable, and he’s versatile, but he can play better, especially in the first half," Guardiola said.
Salford's Struggles
Salford manager Karl Robinson acknowledged the overwhelming challenge, humorously remarking, "If someone told me we’d concede eight goals in seven games, I’d have taken it—I just didn’t expect all of them to come in one match."
The defeat underscores the massive gap between Salford and the reigning Premier League champions, but for the Class of 92 owners, it was an opportunity to test their side against the very best.
Moving Forward
City’s performance underscored their determination to regain their dominance after a mixed festive period. With players like McAtee and Mubama stepping up, Guardiola’s squad seems well-equipped for the challenges ahead. Meanwhile, Salford will look to regroup as they refocus on their league campaign.
The emphatic win sees City advance to the FA Cup’s next round, solidifying their reputation as one of England’s most formidable sides.
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