Manchester City began their defence of the EFL Cup in emphatic fashion on Thursday, thrashing Norwich City 5-0 at the Etihad Stadium to book a place in the fourth round.
The standout performer was 17-year-old academy graduate Floyd Samba, who marked his senior debut with two goals as City’s reshuffled side overwhelmed the Championship visitors.
Samba opened the scoring in the 29th minute, rising to meet Allan Elias’ delivery and directing a header beyond Norwich goalkeeper Daniel Grimshaw.
Three minutes later, Rayan Cherki doubled City’s advantage after being played through by Ayyoub Bouaddi. The Frenchman kept his composure to finish low into the corner and give the hosts a 2-0 lead at half-time.
City continued where they left off after the interval, with Elias announcing his own debut in memorable fashion. The Brazilian winger cut inside before firing a low effort into the far corner in the 48th minute.
Samba then completed his brace six minutes later, receiving a pass from Rayan Aït-Nouri before curling an excellent finish beyond Grimshaw to make it 4-0.
Substitute Ryan McAidoo completed the rout in the 90th minute, sweeping home City’s fifth goal after another flowing attacking move.
The result was particularly significant for City’s emerging players. Manager Enzo Maresca made 10 changes from the side that started Sunday’s Manchester derby, yet the wholesale rotation did little to disrupt City’s control and attacking fluency.
Samba, who joined City’s academy at Under-9 level, was handed the responsibility of leading the attack with Erling Haaland rested. The teenager responded with a performance that immediately placed him among the young players attracting attention around the first team.
Allan was equally influential on his first appearance for the club, contributing a goal and an assist. The Brazilian joined City from Palmeiras last month and made an immediate impact in a side containing several academy products.
Norwich struggled to contain City’s movement and passing, with the hosts dominating possession and creating repeated openings. The visitors briefly thought they had reduced the deficit when Mohamed Toure found the net late in the game, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
The victory extends City’s winning run to six matches in all competitions and sends them into the fourth round, where they will face Brighton & Hove Albion at home in the week beginning October 26.
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