Manchester City began their Carabao Cup title defence in emphatic fashion on Thursday, defeating Championship side Norwich City 5-0 at the Etihad Stadium to book a place in the fourth round of the competition.
Seventeen-year-old Floyd Samba was the standout performer on his senior debut, scoring twice as Manchester City produced a dominant display. Rayan Cherki, Allan and Ryan McAidoo were also on target for the holders.
Key Highlights
- Manchester City defeated Norwich City 5-0 in the Carabao Cup third round.
- Floyd Samba scored twice on his senior debut.
- Rayan Cherki, Allan and Ryan McAidoo also scored for City.
- Manchester City have advanced to the Carabao Cup fourth round.
- City will face Brighton & Hove Albion at home in the next round.
Samba Opens Scoring On Senior Debut
Samba, the son of former Blackburn Rovers and Queens Park Rangers defender Christopher Samba, opened the scoring in the 29th minute.
The Manchester City academy graduate headed home after Allan delivered the ball into the box, giving the teenager a dream start to his first senior appearance.
City doubled their advantage just three minutes later when Rayan Cherki finished calmly after being played through by Ayyoub Bouaddi.
Manchester City went into the interval with a 2-0 lead and firmly in control of the contest.
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Allan And Samba Extend City’s Lead
Allan marked his Manchester City debut with a goal three minutes after the restart.
The Brazilian winger cut inside from the left before firing a low shot into the far corner to make it 3-0 in the 48th minute.
Samba then completed his brace in the 54th minute with a superb curling finish, putting Manchester City 4-0 ahead.
The teenager’s two goals made him the central figure of an impressive debut as City continued to control the game.
McAidoo Completes 5-0 Victory
Substitute Ryan McAidoo added Manchester City’s fifth goal in stoppage time to complete the emphatic victory.
Norwich briefly found the net through Mohamed Toure in the second half, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
The result sent Manchester City into the fourth round of the Carabao Cup, where they will host Brighton & Hove Albion.
Manchester City Extend Winning Run
The victory was Manchester City’s sixth consecutive win in all competitions. The club had made 10 changes to the team that started the previous weekend’s Premier League victory over Manchester United, with Samba, Allan and goalkeeper Gerónimo Rulli making their City debuts.
Manchester City will now prepare for their Premier League meeting with Sunderland, while Norwich return to Championship action.
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