Pep Guardiola spoke of the slog of the schedule and Manchester City performed as if dog-tired when knocking out Salford in a tie the manager pithily described as “boring”.
City were abject and half-paced and in danger of being forced into extra time, at least, until Marc Guéhi’s 80th-minute close-range strike doubled the lead. It was the defender’s first goal for the club he joined last month.
Alfie Dorrington’s own goal had suggested a City avalanche that might emulate last season’s 8-0 Cup win here but it did not happen. Instead, Salford’s packed back and middle lines stifled their aristocratic hosts.
Guardiola was unhappy at the display but delighted that City were through; this born winner adores being in contention for any trophy. The manager said: “One of our players had to put the ball on the opposite side [to gain space] and it happened only after 2-0. That is why it was boring. We didn’t read the spaces where we were. We spent too much time making the process.
“The only good news that we go through. That’s all. I know the players want it, it is just we didn’t read what we should do. Maybe I didn’t convey what we should do to be more fluid.”
