FA Cup LIVE! Man City in front vs Salford with Burnley, Norwich, Saints leading

Manchester, Etihad Stadium – Premier League champions Manchester City hosted League Two's Salford City in the FA Cup 2025-26 fourth-round tie on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at 3:00 PM GMT. This rematch follows City's dominant 8-0 victory over Salford last season, where James McAtee notched a hat-trick.[2][7]

The match kicked off with City asserting early dominance. By the 13th minute, City led 1-0 thanks to an Alfie Dorrington own goal for Salford at the 6th minute, capitalizing on City's pressure.[10] Live updates showed intense action: at 3', lineups confirmed; 6' saw the opener; 22' brought more threats; 28' featured a corner and blocked shots from Rayan Cherki and Nico González; 30' blocked Cherki effort assisted by Rayan Aït-Nouri.[8][9][10]

City's lineup included James Trafford in goal, defenders Aït-Nouri (21), Stones (5), Khusanov (45), Alleyne (68), midfielders Lewis (82), Reijnders (4), González (14), and forwards Cherki (10), Marmoush (7), Foden (47). Subs like Rúben Dias, Rodri, Matheus Nunes waited.[8][9] Salford, owned by Manchester United's Class of '92 including David Beckham, showed resilience despite the gulf in class.[2][11]

Pre-match, City were in fine form: 3-0 vs Fulham, 2-1 vs Liverpool, 3-1 vs Newcastle in Carabao Cup.[7] Salford aimed for an upset but predictions favored an "easy passage" for Cityzens.[4] No UK stream available; US on ESPN Select, Australia on Stan Sport.[2]

Elsewhere, Burnley, Norwich, Saints led their ties, while Chelsea advanced 4-0 vs Hull via Pedro Neto's hat-trick.[8] Live stats via FotMob/Sofascore tracked xG, possession, with Lewis N'Mai topping Salford scorers.[5][6] Referee: Matt Donohue. A historic local derby unfolded at the Etihad.[1][5]

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