Guéhi scores first Manchester City goal but Guardiola labels Salford win ‘boring’

Guardian Sport

by Jamie Jackson at the Etihad Stadium

February 14, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Manchester City secured a hard-fought victory over Salford with Marc Guéhi’s first senior goal for the club in the 80th minute. Despite Guardiola labeling the match as “boring,” the game highlighted City’s fatigue due to their demanding schedule, which left them sluggish and barely scraping through. Guéhi’s late strike doubled City’s lead, showcasing his potential after joining last month, but the overall performance raised questions about their form under a grueling fixtures. City dominated possession but struggled to create chances, appearing disjointed and lacking energy. Guardiola’s frustration was evident as he pointed out the toll of their packed schedule on the team’s performance. Salford, despite being the lower-tier side, posed a threat throughout and kept City on edge with their counterattacks. The match was a far cry from City’s usual high-intensity displays, with both teams contributing to an uneventful contest until Guéhi’s decisive moment. The game underscores the challenges of maintaining consistency across multiple competitions. Guardiola’s candid remarks about the tie being “boring” reflect the realities of modern football, where depth and squad rotation are crucial to avoiding burnout. Meanwhile, Salford’s performance, particularly in their attacking play, offers hope for their development as a competitive force in the competition. For sports fans, this match highlights the importance of tactical adaptability and resilience in high-stakes tournaments. Guardiola’s honesty about his team’s struggles adds an intriguing layer to the narrative, reminding readers that even the best teams can falter under pressure. The match also serves as a reminder of the growing influence of young talents like Guéhi, whose contributions are pivotal to City’s future success.

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Originally published on Guardian Sport on 2/14/2026