'Guehi could be the most effective signing of the season'published at 10:53 GMT 18 February
10:53 GMT 18 February
Pat Nevin Former footballer and presenter
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Manchester City weren't grabbing the headlines this weekend as they eased past neighbours Salford in the FA Cup. Unsurprisingly, Pep Guardiola put out a changed side, resting as many players as he could. One player rested but later introduced was Marc Guehi and watching him in a City strip now feels like watching a player who has been in the team for five years.
An England international centre-back, experienced Premier League performer, only 25 years old so coming into his prime right now and he cost a bargain £20m, maybe a quarter or a fifth of his true value in the open market. Even so, I reckon people do not see how important a signing he is.
This is a player Liverpool and Chelsea would love to have tempted but he has ended up at the Etihad and it looks like a very good decision for all concerned.
He scored the goal that put the tie to bed but, more than that, he brings a calm to a defence that had previously looked just a little shaky when under pressure.
Is it enough to turn City into serial clean sheet specialists right away? Maybe not, but a tighter defence will be necessary if they are going to catch Arsenal and their mean back line. It could be the most effective signing of the season.
Just how far can this Manchester City side go this season?published at 08:13 GMT 18 February
08:13 GMT 18 February
Freddie Pye Fan writer
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Often when we talk about teams capable of going all the way in multiple competitions, we see squads with depth in all areas, a remarkable fitness and injury record, or a strong style of play.
Usually, it's a combination of all three factors, and Manchester City supporters have been fortunate enough to see that come to fruition in several of Pep Guardiola's previous successful seasons at the club.
Following progression into the FA Cup fifth round, where City now face Newcastle away - the fifth meeting between the two clubs this season when the contest comes around in March - the debate continues to burn on regarding just how far Guardiola's side can go during the final months of the campaign.
The manager will perhaps be most confident of success. Key players are returning to full fitness, there appears to be a playing style and rhythm that is coming together, and confidence within the squad is flowing to an extent that perhaps we haven't seen so far this campaign.
How much of that can be credited to the dramatic comeback win over Liverpool? Probably the majority.
The additions of Marc Guehi and Antoine Semenyo have brought much-needed options, adding rearguard stability and guidance as well as versatility in an attacking line that had been somewhat faltering by the turn of the year.
In the case of the Ghanaian, much of the dependency on Erling Haaland for goalmouth action has shifted for the better, enabling rest for the Norwegian and allowing for the likes of Omar Marmoush to find opportunities to great reward.
And all of these factors come without mentioning the tactical shift deployed by Guardiola and his coaching team, as Manchester City operate with a box or diamond midfield, enabling Nico O'Reilly to step into a number six or number eight role and allowing a starting role for summer recruit Rayan Ait-Nouri.
There is a physicality to City's midfield and an energy that was not only missing throughout the whole of last season, but perhaps was required as recently as January, when matches were running away from the side in second halves in particular.
Is it too early to say Guardiola has sussed out the magic formula to go on and win everything?
Absolutely. But there are clear signs of a team in confident mood, one reaping the rewards of their early qualification for the Champions League knockout rounds with three days off this week, and one with eyes firmly set on Arsenal at the Premier League's summit.
'Tantalising', 'a joke' - fans respond to yet another Newcastle v Man City cup drawpublished at 16:49 GMT 17 February
16:49 GMT 17 February
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When ball number 14 was drawn, fans couldn't believe it - the FA Cup fifth-round draw set up Newcastle and Manchester City to meet in yet another cup tie.
It's the fifth time in six years the teams have faced up in a domestic cup - most recently, City bested Newcastle over two legs to deny the Magpies a place in the final of the Carabao Cup.
In March, the teams will meet again at St James' Park for a place in the quarter-finals of the oldest cup competition in the world.
So, what do fans make of the draw? Yawn-worthy, or the chance for a dramatic rematch?
We joked in all our group chats that, after comprehensively beating Aston Villa we'd end up with Manchester City away in the FA Cup. It was just supposed to be a joke, not a premonition! I rang my dad's house just after the draw was announced and heard wailing in the background. Here we go again!
OK, we drew them at home, so there's a small concession made. But honestly. How many times can two teams play each other in one season? At this rate, I am pretty sure the footballing powers that be will have invented a new way for us to play them at least a couple more times before the season is out.
I know that to win silverware you have to beat the best. I know that. Those of us in the chat with fistfuls of straws can point to November, when a Harvey Barnes double saw us beat City at St James' Park. Those more pessimistic might point to the other two times we've played them so far this season, and the ease with which they dealt with us.
This weekend we visit the Etihad, for what seems to be our now bi-monthly Manchester City match. Let's spin this. Saturday represents another opportunity for Eddie Howe to assess how they are so effective, and to start making a plan.
I keep coming back to the fact it's a home tie. St James' Park will be LOUD. The players will be up for it.
"I'm sick of the sight of them," was my reaction when Joe Cole and Karen Carney paired Manchester City with Newcastle.
Don't get me wrong, St James' Park is one of my favourite away days. Despite the infamous 14 flights of stairs, Newcastle is a city that is completely and utterly obsessed with football.
It's all most of their residents talk about as they're walking around the city. It's always a cracking away trip. The draw will be the talk of the toon – but I'm not so sure they'll be too happy about it either.
But despite having just been beaten by Pep Guardiola's men in the Carabao Cup semi-final, in both legs and by an aggregate score of 5-1, Newcastle will be buoyed by the fact this tie will have home advantage.
Eddie Howe has never won a game with Newcastle at Etihad Stadium. The stats make for dismal reading. But the Magpies beat City in the league back in November - 2-1 on home turf - and St James' will be rocking, with Howe looking to seek revenge for the battering his side so recently took in the League Cup.
Make no mistake, it could have been a tougher draw for City, but I doubt Pep will be relishing the prospect of travelling up to Tyneside for the third time in five months.
The Blues have the quality to come away with a place in the FA Cup quarter finals, but there's a feeling Newcastle won't be ready to accept being knocked out of two domestic cups in consecutive months at the hands of City.
Which probably makes the game even more of a tantalising prospect – for the neutral at least!
Gossip: Man City would rather loan Trafford then sellpublished at 07:15 GMT 17 February
07:15 GMT 17 February
Manchester City would prefer to send goalkeeper James Trafford out on loan rather then sell him this summer, with Leeds, Aston Villa and Newcastle all interested in the 23-year-old. (Teamtalk), external
Man City will not contest Rodri chargepublished at 10:57 GMT 16 February
10:57 GMT 16 February
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Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola says the club will "accept" the Football Association's charge against midfielder Rodri over comments made after a match earlier this month.
While the FA did not specify the exact comments the charge relates to, Rodri accused referee Robert Jones of not being "neutral".
"I know we won too much and the people don't want us to win, but the referee has to be neutral," said the Spain international after the game.
"It's not fair because we work so hard. When everything is finished, you are frustrated."
Rodri, who has been given until Wednesday, 18 February to respond, could face a ban if found guilty, but Guardiola has said City will not challenge the outcome of the process.
"We will accept the decision of the FA," said the City manager.
"We accept everything the big hierarchies decide for how we have to behave and what we have to do."
Rodri and the club were left angry by a Dominic Solanke goal being allowed to stand after the Spurs forward appeared to kick through the leg of the City defender Marc Guehi.
The FA said in a statement Rodri allegedly "acted in an improper manner during a post-match media interview by making comments that imply bias and/or question the integrity of a match official and/or match officials".
Manchester City 2-0 Salford City - the fans' verdictpublished at 08:50 GMT 16 February
08:50 GMT 16 February
Media caption,
We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's FA Cup game between Manchester City and Salford City.
Here are some of your comments:
Brian: The best that Man City fans can say is 'job done'. We are in the next round. Man City played the percentage game today. No real fire in their attack and very predictable in possession. Man City used this game as a clear warm up for the next Premier League fixture. Salford never surrendered but the second goal killed the game off. City can and will play better.
Youssef: We can't really analyse the game when we're against a League Two team. City weren't as dominant as they normally are against League Two teams but I am satisfied with our performance. Feel that a few decisions against us were unfair (mainly the offsides), but overall happy with us today. Trafford is such an underrated and reliable keeper, hope he's chosen as backup keeper for the World Cup. Also happy for Guehi scoring on his debut and happy to see John Stones back from injury. However, some players like Reijnders were sloppy on the ball.
Harry: Not the most ruthless performance, but never in doubt. Very much not under threat but wasteful in possession. I could blame officials and say we had a good goal disallowed as well as missing out on a clear penalty. But that's neither here or there - proud of the team, we progress forward, and I wish the best to Salford for their season's ambitions.
Martin: A win's a win but a rather drab match after City got off to a flier. Who could blame Salford after their mauling last season? They could have been level except for a superb, acrobatic save by Trafford. City never got out of second gear but won it by deserved second scored by Guehi (his first goal for the club). In the end City had too much for a determined & impressive defensive performance by Salford who waited for the set play. More endeavour required next time by City.
When is FA Cup fifth-round draw?published at 08:16 GMT 16 February
08:16 GMT 16 February
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The 2025-26 FA Cup fifth-round draw will take place on Monday, 16 February at about 18:35 GMT.
It will be done before the fourth-round tie between Macclesfield Town - the lowest-ranked team left in the competition - and Brentford, with former England internationals Joe Cole and Karen Carney conducting the draw on TNT Sports.
Supporters can also follow the draw on the BBC Sport website and app.
All matches will be played around the weekend commencing Saturday, 7 March.
Unlike in previous years, there are no replays if matches end as a draw. All ties will go to extra time, and if necessary, a penalty shootout.
Gossip: Man City must pay large fee for move of Gibbs-Whitepublished at 07:26 GMT 16 February
07:26 GMT 16 February
Manchester City have been told they will have to pay £60-70m to prise England midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White, 26, away from Nottingham Forest in the summer. (Football Insider), external
Does Guardiola have a Foden problem?published at 14:48 GMT 15 February
14:48 GMT 15 February
Laura Kenyon Final Score reporter at Etihad Stadium
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For any England fans watching a rather drab fourth round tie play out at the Etihad, there was a slim silver lining.
John Stones with his first minutes in the bank since December. A return from injury, taking the captain's armband and coming through more than an hour of football unscathed.
He was replaced by Marc Guehi, who injected another cause for optimism – getting his first goal for Manchester City to seal progression to the fifth round of the FA Cup.
A quandary, however, could be emerging for Pep Guardiola around another of his England contingent; Phil Foden.
The immensely talented attacking midfielder has not been at his best in recent weeks by his own high standards. Guardiola has favoured others ahead of him in pivotal Premier League fixtures, including at Liverpool.
He showed glimpses of his immense capability against Salford City. But they were fleeting in a cup game against League Two opposition, which should have been the perfect opportunity to make an impact and a statement about his place in this team in the process.
Does Guardiola have a Foden problem? And if so, how quickly can he get him back to his dynamic best?
There is the small matter of a Premier League title race after all.
Man City 2-0 Salford: What Guardiola and Trafford saidpublished at 17:41 GMT 14 February
17:41 GMT 14 February
Man City boss Pep Guardiola speaking to BBC: "They defended really well, so tight and we didn't attack the spaces the way we should. The game was flat until they scored the second goal. Until 2-0, the game was not good.
"You can go 1-0 and play magnificently. Sometimes you can win 3-0 and the game is not good.
"It's better for that [Marc Guehi goal]. It has been a really tough three weeks with a lot of games and it's demanding. Today was the last game and now we have a mini break.
On cup tie rules changing: "For example, he cannot play in the final of the Carabao Cup. Why can he play here and why not in the other one? Common sense [it] is not but it's OK.
On James Trafford: "He is so reliable. Fantastic keeper."
Man City goalkeeper Trafford, speaking to BBC: "We had to work really hard. They did really well. Defended really well and they had belief that grew through the game. We got there in the end and got the good win.
"It's one of them, it's a knockout competition. We won and we have a week until the next game. We have to keep going.
"I knew I wasn't going to have too much to do but, when I was called upon, I had to do well.
On getting games in the cup: "It was nice, it wasn't what I expected coming into the season. I tried to guard against it. It's the reality and I have to give it my best shot. It's the situation I'm in. We train every day but making saves, it's good fun."
Manchester City have won their last 17 FA Cup games at the Etihad Stadium, equalling the longest home winning streak in the competition's history, set by Clapham Rovers between December 1873 and February 1881.
Manchester City attempted 19 shots in this game, their lowest total in a single match in the 2025/2026 FA Cup.
Analysis: City struggle but get job donepublished at 17:12 GMT 14 February
17:12 GMT 14 February
Neil Johnston BBC Sport journalist
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This victory extended City's winning run in FA Cup home ties to 17, since they were knocked out by Championship club Middlesbrough in the fourth round in 2015.
That streak includes 77 goals and 11 clean sheets, but this was a scrappy performance by a club looking to reach a fourth FA Cup final in a row.
Salford, co-owned by former Manchester United stars Gary Neville and David Beckham, were in the tie right up until Guehi doubled the hosts' advantage in the 81st minute, and will take heart from this performance as they look to secure promotion to League One.
While Guardiola's side failed to hit top gear, there were still a couple of positives to take from this performance.
John Stones emerged from his first start since November unscathed, while Trafford - starting in place of regular number one Gianluigi Donnarumma - made a couple of decent saves as he looks to seal a place in the starting XI against Arsenal in next month's Carabao Cup final.
There was also Guehi's first Manchester City goal to celebrate, with the centre-half pouncing to help to ease some home nerves late on.
You can also listen to today's 5 Live commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Burton v West Ham" of "ask BBC Sounds to play Liverpool v Brighton", for instance.
Guardiola on Haaland injury, Silva and an 'exhausted' grouppublished at 13:09 GMT 13 February
13:09 GMT 13 February
Media caption,
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has been speaking to the media before Saturday's FA Cup game against Salford City at Etihad Stadium (kick-off 15:00 GMT).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Erling Haaland's fitness is to be assessed as he is "not 100%" but it is "not a big issue", despite him being withdrawn in the midweek victory over Fulham.
John Stones last played on 2 December in a 5-4 win at Fulham but after "two or three training sessions", Guardiola said: "We will see tomorrow if he plays or how many minutes he plays."
Guardiola says his "priority" is to beat Salford, adding his players are "so exhausted" and "we can have a break after tomorrow".
On facing the League Two side, he said: "I try to knuckle into the mind of the players that nothing is for granted and that everything is difficult."
Guardiola praised Bernardo Silva - who is out of contract ths summer - for leading by example, but says he has no clarity on what the midfielder's future holds and has asked him to inform him when there is clarity.
Guardiola was asked about controversial and widely criticised comments made by Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe: "I have a huge appreciation for Sir Jim. He has apologised but I won't comment on what he had to say. We have a problem which all the countries have about treating people from other countries. We have no difference to where we have been born. I think everyone deserves a chance to have an opportunity for a better life. Sometimes those opportunities are where you are born, sometimes you have to travel. Because I am Catalan does not make me think I am better than you. I grew up and met incredibly nice people but don't make me feel bad for being from somewhere else. We need to embrace other cultures."
Image source, Getty Images
