FA Cup: Manchester City 2-0 – Salford – From a ‘frustrating’ 8-0 defeat to pushing Manchester City all the way

Salford’s players remained on the field for a good five minutes after the full-time whistle to show their appreciation to their traveling fans.

“Why did you bring that up?” manager Karl Robinson joked in his post-match press conference, when a reporter mentioned the eight-goal defeat last season.

He must have feared his side would face another blow when Alfie Dorrington scored an own goal in the sixth minute.

But the visitors regrouped.

Not only did they prevent their opponents from scoring any attempts on target before half-time, but they twice came close to scoring themselves through Ben Woodburn and Brandon Cooper.

The score was still just 1-0 when James Trafford denied Kelly Namai, before Guardiola sent on Antoine Simeño, Nico O’Reilly and Rodri Dowhi, eventually calming the home side’s nerves nine minutes from time.

“It’s about using this as a benchmark going forward,” added Robinson, whose side are sixth in England’s fourth tier.

“We couldn’t do that last season. We have to get out of League Two.

“It was a great defensive performance against one of the best teams in Europe.

“They had to bring on four of their best players in the last 20 minutes. We’re dusting ourselves off and getting ready for Tuesday’s game. [Newport County at home]”.

Former Manchester City midfielder Michael Brown, who was at the Etihad Stadium, told BBC Sport that Salford would learn from Saturday’s experience.

“For Salford to get to this stage, they have done a good job,” he added.

“The test was there with that draw, but Robinson learned a lot about his players.”

“They are a world-class team and will create chances and score good goals but we have kept that to a minimum,” Garbutt added.