Guehi Scores First Man City Goal as FA Cup Holders Beat Salford

by Momodu Favour

Marc Guehi scored his first goal for Manchester City as Pep Guardiola’s side secured a win over Salford City in the FA Cup, continuing their strong home form in the competition.

The England defender found the net in the 81st minute, reacting quickly after goalkeeper Matthew Young could only parry a cross into his path. Guehi calmly slotted the ball home from close range, doubling City’s lead and easing late nerves at the Etihad Stadium.

It was a notable moment for the 25-year-old, who had earlier played in the FA Cup this season for Crystal Palace before making his move to City.

Under previous rules, he would have been cup-tied, but changes introduced by The Football Association now allow a player to represent one additional club in the same season, provided they do not appear for two different teams in the same round.

Guehi had been part of the Palace side beaten by non-league Macclesfield in the third round but was eligible to feature for City after the regulatory update.

The victory also extended City’s impressive home record in the FA Cup to 17 consecutive wins, a run that dates back to their fourth-round defeat by Middlesbrough in 2015. During that time, Guardiola’s side have scored 77 goals and kept 11 clean sheets.

Salford, co-owned by former Manchester United players Gary Neville and David Beckham, remained competitive for much of the match and tested City’s defence before Guehi’s late strike.

There were positives for City beyond the result. John Stones made his first start since November without any injury concerns, while goalkeeper James Trafford impressed in the absence of Gianluigi Donnarumma as he pushes for selection ahead of next month’s EFL Cup Final against Arsenal.

Ultimately, Guehi’s goal was decisive, securing City’s progression and keeping alive their bid for a fourth consecutive FA Cup final appearance.