Manchester City thrashed Salford City 8-0 in the FA Cup third round as they continue to look like they’ve put their unprecedented run of bad form behind them.
Pep Guardiola’s team have now won their last three matches, having previously suffered a run of just one win in thirteen games which saw them fall to sixth in the league.
League Two high-flyers Salford were hardly the toughest of foes but a much-changed home side still impressively smashed eight goals past them, with a hat-trick for James McAtee joined by two from the hugely impressive Jeremy Doku and one apiece from Nico O’Reilly, Jack Grealish and young striker Divin Mubama – who started up front to give Erling Haaland a rest.
Relive all the action from the Etihad Stadium below:
McAtee: “It’s a good moment for me”
In his post-match interview, James McAtee tells BBC Sport that he “was quite frustrated in the first half, wasn’t seeing much of the ball”.
“When the first one went in, my confidence was up and I kept scoring.
“I’ve been here since I was 10 and it’s a special moment for me. Something I’ll remember forever. I don’t think I needed to prove myself but to get out there and show people what I can do, it’s a good moment for me.”
FT: Manchester City 8-0 Salford City
Here’s the hat-trick goal for McAtee!
FULL-TIME! Manchester City 8-0 Salford City
The referee brings the game to an end and City take an 8-0 win and a place in round four.
Manchester City 8-0 Salford City
So close to a ninth with the final kick of the game as Gundogan is there to try and convert from a cutback from point-blank range, but Young makes a great save.
Manchester City 8-0 Salford City
The best chance of the game for Salford as Adelakun threads through a lovely ball to McAleny, who is clean through but can only force a good save from Ederson at his near post.
From the corner, the half-volley ends up hitting the side-netting too.
Salford make another change as 16-year-old Will Wright comes on for Adelakun.
Manchester City 8-0 Salford City
Half a chance for a ninth as Gundogan drives into the box, but Tilt is there to poke it away.
GOAL! Manchester City 8-0 Salford City
GOAL! McAtee has a hat-trick!
City are toying with them now, as the ball comes to Grealish on the edge of the box. He takes a few steps in and bides his time before squaring a perfect ball to McAtee, who simply has to take a stride forward to poke into the back of the net.