Manchester City defeated League Two promotion contenders Salford City in a cool, collected victory that sent them cruising into the FA Cup's fourth round.
For the first time under Pep Guardiola, the Premier League champions have been in a slump and appear to have eliminated themselves from the title fight for the first time in what seems like an eternity.
Jeremy Doku's goal after just four minutes put City's victory beyond doubt, and their stunning 8-0 victory over Salford, home of Manchester United greats Gary Neville, Ryan Giggs, and Paul Scholes, among others, was another welcome step on the path to recovery.
Salford had a fleeting chance to score a highlight-reel goal thanks to Kylian Kouassi's dribbling run, but City rallied to take a third goal just before halftime after Ederson easily saved his effort. After Doku's excellent work down the left, Nico O'Reilly took his turn to score the team's first goal, sliding the ball into the bottom-right corner.
At halftime, Guardiola substituted Manuel Akanji for Ake in an attempt to balance the strain of his defenders, both of whom had suffered recent injuries. The Spaniard had even more cause to be pleased when Grealish was pulled down inside the area.
Without a goal this season going into the match, the playmaker took the initiative to send Young the wrong way to make it 4-0.
After more outstanding work on the wing from Doku, James McAtee, who has been a frequent fixture in transfer rumour columns lately, made it five minutes after the hour by tucking home from close range.
After Curtis Tilt handled in the area, the latter converted a penalty to make it six. McAtee then took up the mantle once again to make the scoreline a try and conversion. In just ninety minutes, he increased his goal total for City from two to five, adding an eighth goal before the game ended.
Grealish showcase talent in central areas.
He will perceive the competition and realize that he must compete, even if he only looks at himself. I played Savinho because he was in better shape and had better everything than Jack.
The Jack who won the Treble is the one I want. Yes, I do want it. But I make an effort to be truthful with myself about that. You could argue that it's unjust. It's okay if you believe that. However, you must demonstrate that you are worthy of playing in that position every day, every week, and every month by saying, "Okay, I'm going to fight with Savinho."
Following City's 4-1 victory over West Ham United in the Premier League, Pep Guardiola made it apparent to Jack Grealish that in order to secure a consistent spot in the team,
Guardiola won't be persuaded that Grealish has improved yet by the late-afternoon outings against Salford, but he did appear at ease playing in the middle. In contrast to the previously stated Savinho, Doku probably has the left nailed down for the time being. Normally, the Englishman is found operating on the flanks.
Grealish performed more than adequately here and possesses the skill, touch, and cunning to play as City's number ten. Did you generate four chances, acquire two assists, and win a penalty? Exactly what the FA Cup demanded.
Doku illuminates Etihad
An overpowered Salford defense could not handle Doku's unstoppable movement on either wing or his sudden bursts of speed. In his 74 minutes of play, he put up a strong showing with two goals and two assists, more than proving himself as Guardiola's preferred left winger.
One could argue that Jeremy Doku is either utterly anonymous or exciting on the wing. This time, however, the Belgian was simply spectacular.
Although he was playing against League Two opponents, this performance will give City a lot of confidence as they try to resume their Premier League and Champions League campaigns.
City's academy are doing extremely good
Despite spending some time with City's first squad, Jahmai Simpson-Pusey, James McAtee, and Nico O'Reilly haven't been able to demonstrate their skills.
Erling Haaland has apparently been willing to take on a significant burden up front if Pep Guardiola requests it, while Divin Mubama has hardly ever had a kick up front either. This proof shows without a reasonable doubt that City's academy is carrying out its mandate.
McAtee and O'Reilly stood out among the four players' confident performances, and Guardiola might realize that he doesn't need to give his aging, injury-prone players as many minutes as he does.
It's unclear if McAtee will leave the Etihad to compete at a top level, but he certainly appears prepared, and his hat-trick will have caught the attention of potential suitors.
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