🏟️🚩Man City player ratings vs Salford City: James McAtee has arrived! Academy starboy slams in hat-trick and Jeremy Doku impresses as Pep Guardiola’s side destroy Class of 92-owned minnows in 8-0 hammering while Jack Grealish ends scoring drought

Man City Player Ratings vs Salford City: James McAtee Shines with Hat-Trick, Jeremy Doku Impresses in 8-0 Rout as Grealish Ends Scoring Drought

Manchester City stormed into the fourth round of the FA Cup with an emphatic 8-0 victory over Salford City, who are owned by the Class of 92 group. Pep Guardiola’s side delivered a dominant performance that showcased their attacking prowess, as well as the exciting emergence of young talent. James McAtee stole the show with a superb hat-trick, while summer signing Jeremy Doku also impressed, providing a glimpse of his potential. Meanwhile, Jack Grealish ended his scoring drought, contributing to a memorable and comprehensive win.

Here’s how the Manchester City players rated in the 8-0 demolition of Salford City:

Stefan Ortega (GK) – 7/10

Ortega had a quiet evening as Salford failed to pose any serious threat on goal. The German goalkeeper was largely untested but remained composed with a couple of routine saves. His distribution was solid, maintaining City’s high standards at the back.

Kyle Walker (RB) – 8/10

Walker was a constant outlet down the right flank, using his pace and experience to help City dominate both defensively and offensively. He provided several key passes and was involved in the build-up play that led to City’s first goal. A solid and professional performance.

Ruben Dias (CB) – 8/10

The Portuguese defender was a commanding presence at the back, winning aerial duels and ensuring that Salford’s attackers were kept at bay. Dias barely put a foot wrong, making key interceptions and distributing the ball with confidence.

Manuel Akanji (CB) – 7/10

Akanji was equally composed alongside Dias, reading the game well and helping to control the tempo from the back. He was rarely troubled but was efficient with his clearances and passing.

Nathan Ake (LB) – 7/10

Ake was solid in his defensive duties, limiting any potential threat down Salford’s left wing. He also contributed in attack, getting forward when possible and providing support to the midfield and forward line.

Rodri (CDM) – 8/10

Rodri was once again the lynchpin in Manchester City’s midfield, controlling the tempo and breaking up any rare Salford attacks. His passing range was impeccable, and his ability to regain possession allowed City to dominate the match from start to finish.

Phil Foden (CM) – 9/10

Foden was at the heart of City’s creative play, pulling the strings in midfield with vision and flair. He was involved in multiple attacking moves, creating chances and linking up well with the forwards. Foden’s ability to unlock defenses was crucial in the overwhelming victory.

James McAtee (CM) – 10/10

The young academy graduate was the standout performer of the night, scoring a remarkable hat-trick to announce himself as a future star for Manchester City. McAtee’s clinical finishing and intelligent positioning were on full display as he helped himself to three goals, showing why he is one of the brightest prospects at the club. His performance will have caught the attention of both Pep Guardiola and the fans.

Jeremy Doku (RW) – 9/10

Doku was a constant menace on the wing, using his blistering pace and dribbling ability to terrorize the Salford defense. The Belgian winger was directly involved in several of City’s goals, providing an assist and showcasing his skill in one-on-one situations. His electrifying performance promises more excitement as he settles into life at City.

Jack Grealish (LW) – 8/10

Grealish had a point to prove after a quiet spell in front of goal, and he delivered. The English winger ended his scoring drought with a well-taken goal and was a constant threat down the left wing. His creativity and link-up play were key to City’s attacking fluidity. It’s a welcome return to form for Grealish, who will be hoping to build on this display.

Julian Alvarez (CF) – 8/10

Alvarez was energetic and lively throughout, contributing with two goals in a clinical display of finishing. His work rate was impressive, pressing high and causing problems for the Salford defense. The Argentine’s movement and link-up play with the midfielders were pivotal to City’s attacking success.

Erling Haaland (CF) – 7/10

Although Haaland didn’t get on the scoresheet, he played a significant role in City’s attacking dominance. The Norwegian striker was unselfish, drawing defenders and creating space for his teammates. Haaland’s physical presence and ability to stretch the defense created opportunities for others to score, and his work ethic was evident throughout.

Substitutes:

Bernardo Silva (7/10): Came on in the second half and contributed to City’s attacking play with his usual technical brilliance.

Jack Harrison (6/10): Had limited time on the pitch but worked hard when involved.

Sergio Gomez (6/10): Solid defensively in his brief appearance and showed his versatility.

Manager: Pep Guardiola – 9/10

Guardiola will be delighted with his team’s clinical performance and the emergence of James McAtee as a future star. His tactical setup was flawless, allowing City to dominate possession and ruthlessly dismantle their opponents. The manager will be pleased with the return to form of key players like Jack Grealish, as well as the impressive showings from Doku and Alvarez. Guardiola’s side were in complete control from start to finish, and the 8-0 scoreline was a reflection of their dominance.

Conclusion:

Manchester City’s 8-0 victory over Salford City was a dominant display of attacking football and a showcase of the depth in Guardiola’s squad. James McAtee’s hat-trick was the highlight of the evening, but the performances of Jeremy Doku and Jack Grealish were also significant. With young talent rising to the occasion and key players firing, City are in top form as they look to make their mark in the FA Cup and beyond.