Man City Fans Make Their Feelings Clear on James Trafford After FA Cup Win vs Salford City: ‘I Can’t Explain It…’

Manchester City advanced to the FA Cup fifth round with a 2-0 victory over League Two side Salford City at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, but the match was far from convincing despite last season's 8-0 thrashing of the same opponents.[1][2]

The game kicked off with an early own goal by Salford's Alfie Dorrington in the sixth minute, flicking a near-post effort from Omar Marmoush into his own net, which robbed the contest of much intensity. City, who made nine changes to their lineup under Pep Guardiola, largely went through the motions thereafter.[1][2][3]

Salford settled well and grew in confidence, creating several chances. Former Liverpool midfielder Ben Woodburn forced a fine save from City goalkeeper James Trafford before halftime, while Brandon Cooper headed narrowly wide and Kelly Nmai tested Trafford with a fierce near-post shot. John Stones had to clear a dangerous low cross as Salford threatened a shock.[1][2]

Phil Foden had a shot blocked early in the second half, but Salford remained competitive. Guardiola introduced substitutes including Marc Guéhi, Antoine Semenyo, and Nico O'Reilly, shifting the momentum. Guéhi sealed progression by pouncing on a rebound for his first City goal in the 81st minute, with Semenyo hitting the post late on.[1][2][3]

Post-match, James Trafford reflected confidently to the BBC: "We had to work really hard... I knew I wasn't going to have too much to do" and on the club's site, "I knew I had to do well."[4][5] Yet, City fans expressed mixed feelings on social media, with one tweeting, "I can’t explain it," capturing frustration over Trafford's recent form despite his key saves against Salford. Supporters debated his reliability, praising the stops on Woodburn and Nmai but questioning consistency amid City's rotated squad. Salford, part-owned by Gary Neville and David Beckham, showed marked improvement from last year's humiliation, earning praise for their resilience.[1][2][6]

City now eye tougher tests in their quadruple chase, while Salford refocus on League Two promotion.[2]