Coach Enzo Maresca made 10 changes from the 1-0 win against Man Utd last weekend, retaining only Rayan Cherki. Goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli, new signing Allan Elias, and Samba all made their first team debuts. Despite a patched-up lineup, the Etihad hosts completely dominated Norwich, who currently sit 14th in the English Championship.

Samba emerged as the standout performer of the match. The 17-year-old midfielder, deployed as a "false 9", capitalized on his pace, positioning, and composure to score two goals. He is the son of former Blackburn and QPR center-back Christopher Samba, and his older brother Tyrone, who is one year his senior, is training at the Man City academy.

Norwich started reasonably well, somewhat limiting the home team's pressure for the first 20 minutes. However, the deadlock broke in the 28th minute. Nico O’Reilly’s cross led to a poor handling error by goalkeeper Daniel Grimshaw, allowing Allan to tap the ball back into the 5.5-meter box, setting up Samba to head home the opening goal.

Samba heads in Man City's opening goal against Norwich in the third round of the English League Cup, at Etihad Stadium, Manchester on 17/9. Photo: AP

The goal eased the pressure on Man City's young players. Just four minutes later, Samba was involved in building play from his own half, before Ayyoub Bouaddi's pass sent Cherki through to beat Grimshaw in a one-on-one situation.

Norwich spent most of the match chasing the hosts' constant ball movement, while creating almost no pressure on Rulli's goal. The visitors also made nine changes from their last match, and their lack of cohesion became evident as Man City accelerated their play.

Maresca withdrew Cherki at the start of the second half, but Man City's attacking prowess remained undiminished. In the 48th minute, Allan dribbled in from the left wing, changing direction multiple times to bypass Sam Field before firing a diagonal shot to make it 3-0. The new signing, valued at over 45 million USD, concluded his debut with a goal and an assist.

Six minutes later, Samba completed his brace. Norwich lost possession while building play in their own half, allowing Rayan Ait-Nouri to pass to the 17-year-old, who curled a shot from about 20 meters. The ball nestled into the far corner, leaving Grimshaw helpless. In the stands, Christopher Samba smiled and shook his head, seemingly in disbelief at his son's debut performance.

In the 90th minute, three players from the Man City academy combined to seal the final score. O’Reilly delivered a cross from the left wing, Rico Lewis cleverly dummied the ball, allowing Ryan McAidoo to tap it into the far corner. This was the 18-year-old winger's first goal for the senior team, scored in only his second appearance.

"I knew I might get a few minutes, but to debut like this is unbelievable", Samba said after the match. "The pace and intensity in the first team are much higher. The senior players advised me to be confident and play my own game. However, this is just the beginning."

Samba (center) celebrates Man City's opening goal against Norwich in the third round of the English League Cup, at Etihad Stadium, Manchester on 17/9. Photo: AP

The victory showcased Man City's squad depth, even with Erling Haaland, Phil Foden, and many key players rested. Norwich has conceded 24 goals in their last five visits to the Etihad, while Man City extended their winning streak to six matches since their defeat to Arsenal in the English Super Cup.

The reigning League Cup champions will face Brighton in the round of 16. Before that, Maresca's side will host Sunderland in the Premier League on 20/9.

Vy Anh