Premier League champions Manchester City walloped fourth-division Salford City 8-0 in the FA Cup on Saturday night.
Brighton, Bournemouth and Leicester also strolled to victories. The six clubs scored a combined 32 goals.
The only shock was Brentford’s 1-0 loss to the bottom team in division two, Plymouth.
The third round is traditionally one of the most anticipated weekends in English soccer as top flight clubs enter the competition with the prospect of upsets.
But it was a day when the might of the Premier League was underlined, with high-flying Nottingham Forest and Wolverhampton also going through.
City showed no mercy against neighbor Salford, which is co-owned by Manchester United legends David Beckham, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Gary and Phil Neville and Nicky Butt.
Despite resting a number of star players, Pep Guardiola’s four-time defending Premier League champion was rampant at Etihad Stadium, with rising talent James McAtee hitting a second half hat trick.
City prospects Divin Mubama and Nico O’Reilly also made the score sheet.
“They were incredible — commitment, aggressive — there were so many things that I liked,” Guardiola said. “With everyone (there) was respect. You cannot win by that margin if you don’t respect the opponent.”
Jack Grealish was also on target for City, scoring his first goal for the club in 38 games. His last goal for City was in December 2023.
Giggs, who is also Salford’s director of football, was on the touchline to watch the action and had to endure taunts from the home fans.
Scholes and Butt, meanwhile, looked sad when television cameras focused on them in the executive seats.
Promotion-chasing Salford had won its last six games without conceding a goal.
“You always know you’re at the mercy of the quality of the competition. Man City and Pep have never disrespected anybody and tonight they showed us why they are what they are and why he is who he is.
“I said to the players I would have taken eight goals conceded in seven games, I just didn’t expect them to all come in one,” manager Karl Robinson said.
Walker submits transfer request
Kyle Walker has submitted a transfer request to Manchester City, revealing his desire to leave the club and explore options abroad.
This shocking news comes after Walker was left out of City’s squad for their 8-0 win over Salford City in the FA Cup third round.
According to Pep Guardiola, Walker approached the club two days ago, expressing his interest in playing abroad and ending his career elsewhere.
This isn’t the first time Walker has considered leaving City; Bayern Munich made a bid for him in 2023, but the offer was rejected.
Walker’s decision may come as a surprise, given his successful tenure at Manchester City, where he’s won 17 trophies, including six Premier League titles and the Champions League.
However, with his playing time reduced this season, it seems Walker is seeking a new challenge.
Guardiola has expressed his respect for Walker’s decision, acknowledging that the player’s mind and heart are no longer at Manchester City.
As the transfer saga unfolds, it remains to be seen where Walker will end up next.
The Saudi League and the Major League Soccer in the United States are possible destinations.
