Manchester City began the defence of their Carabao Cup crown with a commanding 5–0 victory over Norwich City, as 17-year-old Floyd Samba scored twice on his senior debut at the Etihad Stadium.
Enzo Maresca made 10 changes to the side that beat Manchester United in the derby, handing full debuts to Samba and Brazilian forward Allan. Samba, a midfielder by trade, was selected to lead the line in place of the rested Erling Haaland and produced a performance to remember.
City took the lead in the 29th minute when Allan delivered a cross from the right and Samba met it with a stooping header beyond Norwich goalkeeper Daniel Grimshaw. The teenager was then involved again three minutes later, helping create the opening for Rayan Cherki to double the hosts’ advantage with a composed finish.
Allan added City’s third shortly after half-time, driving into the penalty area and firing low into the corner to cap an impressive debut. Samba then secured his second goal in the 54th minute, curling a clinical finish into the far corner after being picked out by Rayan Aït-Nouri.
Ryan McAidoo completed the scoring in the final minute, as Norwich endured a difficult evening in which they failed to register a shot on target. The result gave Maresca his sixth consecutive victory since taking charge and sent City into the fourth round.
Samba is the son of former Blackburn Rovers, Queens Park Rangers and Aston Villa defender Christopher Samba, who watched from the stands as his son made an unforgettable first-team bow. The teenager had scored 24 goals and supplied 10 assists during an outstanding first full season with City’s under-18s, including a goal in the FA Youth Cup final win over Manchester United in May.
“To get a debut like that is mind blowing,” Samba said. “I couldn’t believe it myself, but that is just the beginning. I have got a big career ahead of me.”
He added: “I spoke to all of them, they have all been brilliant with me, giving me advice like, ‘Play your game, be you.’ Those words have given me confidence and helped me score those two goals today.”
Manchester City will host Brighton & Hove Albion in the Carabao Cup fourth round after the Seagulls eliminated Manchester United.
