Following three demanding matches against Man Utd and Arsenal in the Premier League, and Napoli in the Champions League, manager Pep Guardiola rotated his squad, resting key players.
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Divine Mukasa makes his first-team debut for Man City. Photo: Man City |
Divine Mukasa makes his first-team debut for Man City. Photo: Man City
Man City fielded 8 academy graduates, notably featuring Divine Mukasa’s first-team debut. At 18 years and 33 days old, Mukasa started alongside familiar academy faces like Phil Foden, Rico Lewis, Oscar Bobb, Nico O’Reilly, and goalkeeper James Trafford.
In the second half, Guardiola introduced Jaden Heskey and his brother Reigan – sons of former England striker Emile Heskey – marking their professional debuts for Man City. Two other academy players, Kaden Braithwaite and Stephen Mfuni, remained on the bench.
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Phil Foden (left) and Savinho scored in Man City's 2-0 win over Huddersfield in the third round of the League Cup at the Accu Stadium, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, England on 24/9/2025. Photo: ESPN |
Phil Foden (left) and Savinho scored in Man City's 2-0 win over Huddersfield in the third round of the League Cup at the Accu Stadium, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, England on 24/9/2025. Photo: ESPN
Man City dominated the match, controlling 77% of possession and registering 16 shots with 6 on target, while Huddersfield failed to produce a single shot on goal.
Phil Foden, the brightest star to emerge from the youth ranks, shone. In the 18th minute, after a one-two with Mukasa near the penalty area, the English midfielder curled a left-footed shot beyond the reach of goalkeeper Lee Nicholls. This marked Foden’s second goal of the season across all competitions, following his headed opener in the 3-0 victory against Man Utd in the third round of the Premier League.
In the 74th minute, Foden once again made his mark, assisting Savinho, who fired a left-footed shot from a tight angle into the roof of the net, securing a 2-0 victory. This was the Brazilian forward's first goal in four appearances across all competitions this season.
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Tottenham celebrate Brennan Johnson's goal that sealed a 3-0 win over Doncaster Rovers in the third round of the League Cup. Photo: PA |
Tottenham celebrate Brennan Johnson's goal that sealed a 3-0 win over Doncaster Rovers in the third round of the League Cup. Photo: PA
In a concurrent match, Tottenham defeated League One side Doncaster Rovers 3-0, thanks to goals from Joao Palhinha and Brennan Johnson, along with an own goal by Jay McGrath.
In the fourth round of the League Cup at the end of October, Man City will visit Swansea, while Tottenham will face Newcastle at St James' Park.
Hong Duy
