MARC GUEHI SCORES FIRST MANCHESTER CITY GOAL AS CITY OVERCOME SALFORD IN FA CUP

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

Marc Guehi netted his first goal for Manchester City as Pep Guardiola’s side defeated Salford City to extend their impressive FA Cup home record.

The England defender struck in the 81st minute, reacting quickest after goalkeeper Matthew Young could only parry a cross into his path. Guehi calmly slotted home from close range to double City’s advantage and ease late nerves at the Etihad Stadium.

Guehi, 25, had earlier played in the competition for Crystal Palace F.C. this season, but changes by The Football Association now allow players to feature for one additional club in the same FA Cup season, provided they do not appear for two teams in the same round. He is among 27 players to have represented two clubs under the new rules ahead of the 2025–26 season.

The win extended City’s remarkable FA Cup home record to 17 consecutive victories, a streak dating back to a 2015 fourth-round defeat to Middlesbrough F.C.. During that run, Guardiola’s men have scored 77 goals and kept 11 clean sheets.

Despite the result, City struggled for fluency as Salford, co-owned by former Gary Neville and David Beckham, remained competitive and threatened to frustrate the hosts.

Positives for Guardiola included John Stones completing his first start since November without injury concerns, while goalkeeper James Trafford impressed in place of Gianluigi Donnarumma ahead of the EFL Cup Final against Arsenal F.C. next month.

Ultimately, Guehi’s late strike ensured City’s progression, keeping alive their bid to reach a fourth consecutive FA Cup final.