It’s just as well Manchester City invested heavily in the January transfer window, as Marc Guehi and Antoine Semenyo were called off the bench to help Pep Guardiola’s side get past Salford City in a surprisingly competitive FA Cup fourth-round tie at the Etihad on Saturday. Despite an early gift via Alfie Dorrington’s own goal, City struggled to break down their League Two opponents and even allowed the visitors a couple of clear chances.
Injured centre-back John Stones was far from commanding on his return to the starting XI, though the lack of match fitness provided some excuse for his shaky performance.
Phil Foden, however, had no such justification, once again appearing a shadow of the player who was once hailed as one of the Premier League’s best, struggling against a fourth-tier side.
Ultimately, the introductions of Semenyo and Guehi proved decisive. Guehi was on hand to finish a deflected cross from Rayan Cherki, scoring his first goal since arriving from Crystal Palace in the winter window, sealing a 2-0 victory over a team City had thrashed 8-0 just a year ago.
