Player Ratings: Guehi 7 off the mark as City beat Salford to reach FA Cup quarters

Manchester City overcame a stubborn Salford City side with a -2-0 win at the Etihad, featuring Marc Guehi’s first goal for the club and a dominant performance from Rayan Cherki.

​Manchester City booked their place in the FA Cup fifth round on Saturday afternoon with a hard-fought 2-0 win over Salford City.

While many anticipated a high-scoring rout similar to previous rounds, the Premier League champions found it difficult to break down the resilient visitors.

An early Alfie Dorrington own goal gave City the lead, but it took until the final ten minutes for Marc Guehi to seal the result, following an afternoon plagued by questionable officiating and a lack of clinical finishing.

​The match began with a City breakthrough in the ninth minute when Rayan Ait-Nouri’s sharp cross was inadvertently turned into his own net by Dorrington.

However, the hosts struggled to build on the lead, with Omar Marmoush seeing a spectacular effort wrongly ruled out for offside.

Salford remained dangerous throughout, forcing several key saves from James Trafford, before Guehi finally ended the contest by pouncing on a parried save late in the second half to secure progression.

​Player Ratings 

​James Trafford – 7.5

The goalkeeper was unexpectedly active throughout the afternoon. He remained sharp and focused, pulling off a world-class save from a Ben Woodburn volley to ensure City kept their clean sheet when the score was still 1-0.

​Max Alleyne – 6

The academy graduate started brightly and looked comfortable in the early stages. However, his day was cut short by a cruel injury sustained during a challenge midway through the first half, which will hopefully prove less serious than initially feared.

​Abdukodir Khusanov – 7

The defender showcased his impressive range of passing, spraying the ball effectively across the pitch. He stood up well to the physical challenge posed by Salford’s attackers, proving reliable in the few moments City were caught on the break.

​John Stones – 6.5

Returning to the starting lineup for the first time since November, Stones made several vital defensive interventions. While his positioning was sound, there were noticeable signs of match-rust in his ball distribution as he works his way back to full fitness.

​Rayan Ait-Nouri – 7

The left-back was arguably City’s most consistent attacking outlet during a stagnant first half. He provided essential width and delivered the dangerous cross that forced the opening goal, though his efficiency waned slightly as the match progressed.

​Nico Gonzalez – 6.5

Tasked with progressing the ball through the lines, Gonzalez was successful in transition. However, his influence diminished once City reached the final third, as he struggled to find the killer pass to unlock the Salford defense.

​Rico Lewis – 7

Lewis demonstrated his trademark versatility, starting in central midfield before dropping back to right-back following Alleyne’s injury. He remained the engine of the team, keeping play moving and maintaining tactical discipline under pressure.

​Tijjani Reijnders – 6

Reijnders was energetic, constantly buzzing around the edge of the area and looking for pockets of space. Despite his high work rate and several attempts on goal, he was unable to produce a moment of genuine quality to change the game.

​Phil Foden – 6

Operating as the senior playmaker in a rotated side, Foden frequently dropped deep to link play. Despite his best efforts to orchestrate attacks, he was largely frustrated by Salford’s compact defensive block and rarely threatened the goal.

​Rayan Cherki – 7.5 (Player of the Match)

Cherki was the standout performer and the primary spark in City’s attack. He looked the most likely to create chances, eventually forcing the error that led to the second goal and proving himself indispensable to the afternoon’s success.

​Omar Marmoush – 6.5

The striker was persistent with his movement and was very unfortunate to have a clinical top-corner finish chalked off by an incorrect offside call. While he struggled to link up effectively at times, his goal threat was evident.

Substitutes

Marc Guehi — 7

Came off the bench to see out the win, but ended up grabbing his first Manchester City goal