Marc Guehi makes most of new FA Cup rules to steer City into fifth round

MARC GUEHI made the most of his FA Cup reprieve to spare Manchester City’s blushes and see them safely through.

The England defender was part of the Crystal Palace team humbled by minnows Macclesfield in one of the old competition’s biggest ever upsets last month.

But due to change in the rules, he is not ‘cup-tied’ and is able to play for his new club.

Even so, the last thing he wanted was to be part of another cup shock and that was a distinct possibility when he came off the bench midway through the second half.

League Two Salford were very much still in this one – trailing by just a single goal and creating chances to go level.

Considering they lost 8-0 here just 13 months ago, some were beginning to wonder if another fairytale was on the cards.

However Guehi was a cool head amid the jitters – prodding home his first goal for City nine minutes from time to settle the tie once and for all.

Salford were playing in the fourth round for the first time in their history – and in many ways this looked a plum tie.

Just five miles separate these two teams geographically so it had a derby feel and everyone loves a day out at the home of one of the big boys – don’t they?

Well maybe not Karl Robinson’s Ammies, actually.

BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK

They were trounced here in the third round last year when Pep Guardiola’s men were not in great form.

So the prospect of coming back here just over a year on – when the Prem title chasers are just starting to go through the gears – would not have filled the fourth-tier side with great joy.

What’s more, the Etihad is a real fortress for Pep’s men in this competition.

City have not lost an FA Cup game at home since 2015 – when Middlesbrough won here at this stage of the competition. Since then they have won all 16 ties.

With that harrowing day last season still in the back of their minds, Robinson would have wanted his team to keep it tight early on.

That’s easier said than done here though.

Just over five minutes had gone when Tijjani Reijnders sent Rayan Ait-Nouri away down the left.

The former Wolves man looked to pick out Omar Marmoush with his cross but on loan Spurs defender Alfie Dorrington stuck out a leg and diverted it into his own net.

Teenage keeper Matthew Young was in the nets here last January and must have been fearing the worst at that point.

But as it turned out, he needn’t have worried.

At the other end, Josh Austerfield had a sight of goal but clipped the ball with his standing foot as he went to shoot and ended up kicking fresh air and falling in a crumpled heap.

In trying to make a challenge, City defender Max Alleyne picked up an injury that meant he was unable to continue.

The home side should have doubled their lead when Marmoush ran onto a chip over the top from Abdukodir Khusanov and thumped an emphatic volley beyond Young.

The linesman’s flag cut the celebrations short – but replays showed the Egyptian was onside. With no VAR, he was out of luck.

City had enjoyed around 87 per cent of the possession but had not done a lot with it.

And Salford – maybe relieved to be still in the game – had two chances in the last few minutes of the first half.

Ben Woodburn – the former Liverpool youngster who was tipped for stardom back in 2017 – hit a snapshot on the half volley that was touched over by James Trafford.

And right on half-time Brandon Cooper found himself free at the back post from a corner but could not direct his effort on target.

As City fans know, their new-look team do not tend to perform well in the second half these days.

And sure enough, it was much more of a contest after the break.

Kelly N’Mai took advantage of some sloppy City defending but could not beat Trafford at his near post.

And the visitors won a series of corners and free-kicks but could not take advantage.

England defender John Stones, making his first appearance since early December, was starting to look weary and was hauled off as Guardiola rang the changes.

To steady the ship, he sent on his £82.5million worth of January signings – Antoine Semenyo and Guehi – along with England man Nico O’Reilly.

Former Ballon D’Or winner Rodri was on a few minutes later.

Semenyo blasted a shot into the side-netting as the visitors showed signs of running out of steam.

And 10 minutes from time Rayan Cherki’s cross shot was pushed away by Young and Guehi was there to prod in the rebound.

See the Spanish Grand Prix for just £569

WE’VE got an amazing price on a trip to the Spanish GP in June – but you’ll have to be quick.

The deal includes return flights, FIVE nights at a 4-star hotel and a 3-day ticket to all the action at the track – plus transfers.

Prices for this full-throttle experience start from just £599pp.

But SunSport readers can unlock an exclusive extra 5% discount – bringing the price down to an incredible £569pp.

To claim your exclusive saving, simply pick up the phone to the Travelodeal team on 0204 505 9777 and quote the code F1SUNSPORT

This special saving is only available until February 28 – don’t miss out.

* If you click on a link in this article, we will earn affiliate revenue.

Don’t miss Spanish GP trip for just £569