Pep Guardiola’s admiration for the FA Cup is rooted in its rich traditions and the unique challenges that come with playing on the turf of lower league teams. He appreciates the entire experience, from traveling to these lesser-known stadiums to facing the spirited local crowds.

In expressing this sentiment, the Manchester City manager humorously mimicked the boisterous chants of opposing fans, capturing the essence of their spirited welcomes as his team buses arrived at venues like Swindon Town, Wigan Athletic, Cheltenham Town, and Newport County over the years.

Guardiola’s fondness for this competition is genuine, as he describes it as a tournament that, unlike in other countries, has not been dismissed or forgotten. “I love the UK for that,” he remarked, highlighting the nation’s enduring respect for the FA Cup.

During their match against League Two’s Salford, City dominated possession with 80 percent of the ball but needed Marc Guehi’s late goal to secure a win, as they faced Newport next. An early own goal by Alfie Dorrington might have sparked fears of another heavy defeat for manager Karl Robinson, echoing last year’s 8-0 loss, but Salford’s performance was impressive, particularly in the first half when they crafted the more promising opportunities.

Chances came in the form of Brandon Cooper’s missed header from close range, Ben Woodburn testing James Trafford with a remarkable save, and Josh Austerfield missing the ball entirely when clean through on goal.

Manchester City edged into the FA Cup fifth round with a 2-0 win over Salford – but it was hardly light work

Marc Guehi bagged his first Man City goal late on after Alfie Dorrington’s early own goal 

Pep Guardiola, usually such a fan of the FA Cup, lamented a ‘boring’ afternoon for his side

This scenario wasn’t the romanticized version of the FA Cup that Guardiola often alludes to, with its quaint stadiums and less-than-perfect pitches. Instead, it unfolded before an eager crowd, with 4,000 Salford fans watching from the stands, hoping for a thrilling display.

Salford’s actually Guardiola’s hometown club, with his apartment over their side of the River Irwell. When he makes the short journey to the City training ground on Wednesday after three days off, the Catalan expects his team fully firing for the run-in.

‘The game was boring,’ he said. ‘We didn’t read the spaces where they were. The only good news is that we go through.

‘It would be nice to say mentally we’re exhausted and it has been a tough three weeks but it is our job, we have to do what we have to do. Nine players who started were fresh. Everything was flat, slow, it was not good.’

Robinson replied to that by saying it had to be dull if Salford were able to stay in it and he is absolutely right, adding that they were the better team until Guardiola brought on his substitutes.

‘What a fantastic defensive performance against one of the best teams in Europe,’ Robinson said. ‘We can use this as a benchmark to move forward. The way we have lost is testament to the players. I’m immensely proud.’

Paul Scholes was at the Etihad Stadium in the directors’ box, sharing a joke with Khaldoon Al Mubarak at the break, but there was no Gary Neville – away skiing, as he was last year. He missed Trafford having to stand tall to deny the bright Kelly N’Mai, who was subject of interest from higher up the pyramid in January.

He missed a crunching Zach Awe tackle on Tijjani Reijnders and how Ryan Graydon was only just denied a clear volley at goal by some alert O’Reilly defending. Until the final few minutes, Salford were excellent: compact with an ability to break at pace.

City will argue that Omar Marmoush’s thunderous effort midway through the first half, ruled out for offside, should have stood – and would have done with VAR. And they can point to the returning John Stones being felled in the box, although that was less clear-cut.

Interestingly, Guardiola admitted that he genuinely didn’t know how to feel about a game without interference from Stockley Park. ‘Sometimes I think before was better, sometimes VAR makes it fairer,’ he said.

Any other points of interest were much harder to come by.