Floyd Samba Stars in Manchester City’s Carabao Cup Win

Floyd Samba walked into the Etihad as a 17-year-old prospect and walked out as the story of Manchester City’s Carabao Cup defence.

Two goals on debut, a 5-0 win over Norwich, and a father watching proudly from the stands. Not a bad night’s work.

Samba steals the show

The son of former Premier League defender Chris Samba needed less than half an hour to light up the tie. On 29 minutes, he dipped low between defenders and met a cross with a stooping header, guiding the ball in to open the scoring and settle any early nerves around a heavily rotated City side.

Three minutes later, the holders were already cruising. Rayan Cherki, sharp and busy between the lines, latched onto an Ayyoub Bouaddi pass and swept a precise finish into the bottom corner. Norwich, who had frustrated City for the first 20 minutes, suddenly looked stretched everywhere.

Samba might have had his second before the break. Released into space, he surged into the box, only for Bruno Alves to sprint back and produce a superb recovery tackle just as the teenager shaped to shoot. It was a rare moment of defiance from a Norwich defence under constant strain.

Allan joins the party

Any faint hope of a Norwich response vanished almost as soon as the second half began. Just three minutes after the restart, another debutant took centre stage.

Allan, who had already teed up Samba’s opener, collected the ball on the edge of the area, drifted into the box and drilled a low shot into the far corner. One assist, one goal, and a first full 90 minutes in English football delivered with real authority.

City were relentless. On 54 minutes, the pick of the goals arrived and, of course, it was Samba again. This time he showed the composure of a seasoned striker, curling a measured effort into the bottom-right corner to make it 4-0. The Etihad rose for him; his father did too.

On the touchline, Enzo Maresca watched his rotated side dismantle a Premier League opponent with the same control and intensity that has marked his early weeks in charge.

“Not just for the two goals, for the entire performance he was good,” the City boss said of Samba. “He is very good at finishing the action. It was a good game for him.”

Maresca was just as satisfied with Allan’s impact.

“It was not easy for him, first time with 90 minutes. English competition is different to South America. He has scored a goal and an assist so overall, he is happy.”

Norwich punished for naivety

For Philippe Clement, there were lessons, and plenty of pain. Norwich began with discipline and structure, frustrating City and even drawing a hint of irritation from the home side before the opening goal.

“The team played in a good structure, well organised and the boys were disciplined,” Clement said. “After 20 minutes, Man City started to get a little bit annoyed because they could not create.

“Then you get the first goal and we need to do better on that cross. Then on a transition they get a second goal; we were naive.”

Norwich’s night never really improved. They failed to register a shot on target, their one moment of joy cut short when substitute Mohamed Toure’s tidy finish was ruled out for offside with 16 minutes left.

Clement could only look at the numbers and wince.

“It is hard to take five goals with just six shots on target. Those are not good statistics.”

McAidoo finishes the job, Maresca’s run rolls on

City, though, were not done. Samba continued to dictate the tempo in the final third, and on 68 minutes he slipped in Ryan McAidoo, who saw his low strike across goal denied by Daniel Grimshaw. It was a brief reprieve.

Deep into stoppage time, McAidoo finally had his reward. A late surge, a composed finish, and City’s fifth goal underlined the gulf between the sides and the depth of Maresca’s squad.

From the stands, the verdict on the new manager’s start was obvious. Six wins from six competitive matches, 10 changes from the weekend, and still a statement 5-0 victory.

“To make 10 changes and win so handsomely is a real statement of intent,” observed Sky Sports News’ Ben Ransom at the Etihad. “Not many would have predicted Maresca winning his first six competitive matches after taking over from Pep Guardiola.”

The holders now move into the Carabao Cup fourth round, where a home tie against Brighton awaits. Before that comes Sunderland at the weekend and the chance for Maresca to stretch this perfect opening run to seven.

For City, the defence of their trophy is up and running. For Floyd Samba, it has only just begun.