Marc Guehi and Antoine Semenyo shone from the bench as an underwhelming Man City defeated Salford City 2-0 in the FA Cup fourth round. Pep Guardiola made wholesale changes to his starting line up with John Stones handed his first start since November.
City took an early lead when Alfie Dorrington converted a cross into his net, but there were few other chances in a dull first half. Omar Marmoush saw a strike disallowed for offside, while Ben Woodburn forced a good stop from James Trafford and Brandon Cooper sent a header just wide of the target
Salford threatened after the restart as Trafford was required to make another stop from Kelly N'Mai. The visitors looked the most likely to score, and Nico O'Reilly made a couple of important defensive contributions to deny any hope of a cup upset. Any chance of a comeback was dashed in the final 10 minutes, though when Marc Guehi fired in a loose ball to wrap up the win.
Here is how we rated the City players at the Etihad Stadium.
A good stop to deny Woodburn. He read the game well and distributed the ball neatly. A busier day than he would have expected.
1. James Trafford - 7
A good stop to deny Woodburn. He read the game well and distributed the ball neatly. A busier day than he would have expected. | Getty Images
Had looked bright with the ball before he was forced off with an early injury. A shame to see him withdrawn.
2. Max Alleyne - 6.5
Had looked bright with the ball before he was forced off with an early injury. A shame to see him withdrawn. | Getty Images
Some uncomfortable moments on his return to the line up but improved a bit as the match went on. No complaints when he was taken off.
3. John Stones - 5
Some uncomfortable moments on his return to the line up but improved a bit as the match went on. No complaints when he was taken off. | AFP via Getty Images
Good recovery work in defence. He covered ground and read the game well to limit the Salford threat.
4. Abdukodir Khusanov - 6.5
Good recovery work in defence. He covered ground and read the game well to limit the Salford threat. | Getty Images