Foden Dazzles as Man City Cruise Past Huddersfield 2-0 in Carabao Cup Thriller
Manchester City secured their place in the Carabao Cup fourth round following a Wednesday triumph over Huddersfield Town on the road.
Pep Guardiola made several changes to his squad from their previous Arsenal stalemate. The eight-time champions haven't reached a Carabao Cup final since their 2021 triumph over Tottenham Hotspur. While this tournament once helped establish a winning mentality, it has become less prioritized in recent seasons.
Huddersfield attempted to defend deep and launch quick counter-attacks while City implemented their trademark possession-based approach. Divine Mukasa, an 18-year-old academy product, earned his first senior start as the central striker, replacing Erling Haaland. Nevertheless, City fielded Oscar Bobb, Savinho and Phil Foden in their attacking lineup to pressure the hosts.
Foden broke the deadlock in the 18th minute following a quick pivot and neat exchange with Mukasa. The England international struck low across his body to beat Lee Nicholls at the far corner. City maintained their dominance throughout the first period, entering halftime with 82% possession, though only a single goal advantage.
Guardiola maintained his starting eleven for the second half's opening, seeking to extend their lead over Huddersfield. Nico O'Reilly squandered a prime chance to achieve this in the 53rd minute when clean through, but Nicholls anticipated his attempted lob well. Mukasa nearly found the net in the 60th minute, though his weak shot was easily handled.
Savinho eventually sealed City's victory with a second goal in the 75th minute. His left-footed effort deflected off the keeper and struck the crossbar's underside before crossing the line. Foden earned the assist, crowning an outstanding individual display.
Overall, Manchester City enjoyed a straightforward afternoon as they progressed to the fourth round.
Man City Player Ratings vs. Huddersfield (4-1-4-1)
*Ratings provided by FotMob*
Player | Rating (Out of 10) |
|---|---|
GK: James Trafford | 6.9 |
RB: Matheus Nunes | 8.4 |
CB: Nathan Aké | 7.7 |
CB: John Stones | 7.6 |
LB: Nico O'Reilly | 7.0 |
DM: Rico Lewis | 7.6 |
RM: Oscar Bobb | 7.4 |
CM: Phil Foden | 8.9 |
CM: Nico González | 8.1 |
LM: Savinho | 8.2 |
ST: Divine Mukasa | 7.7 |
SUB: Tijjani Reijnders (77' for Foden) | 6.2 |
SUB: Jaden Heskey (77' for O'Reilly) | 6.6 |
SUB: Kalvin Phillips (83' for González) | N/A |
SUB: Reigan Heskey (83' for Savinho) | N/A |
Subs not used: Gianluigi Donnarumma GK), Kaden Braithwaite, Rúben Dias, Stephen Mfuni, Bernardo Silva.
Player of the Match: Phil Foden
Huddersfield (4-2-3-1): Lee Nicholls; Lasse Sørensen, Josh Feeney, Murray Wallace, Sean Roughan; Ben Wiles, David Kasumu; Marcus Harness, Daniel Vost, Zepiqueno Redmond; Dion Charles
Subs: Owen Goodman (GK), Jay Smith-Sway, Joseph Low, Leo Castledine, Ryan Ledson, Alfie May, Bojan Radulovic, Cameron Ashia, Joe Taylor