Floyd Samba’s Debut Double Fires Manchester City Past Norwich
Manchester City will host Brighton in the Carabao Cup fourth round after Floyd Samba’s two-goal first-team debut powered a 5-0 win over Norwich on Thursday.
The 17-year-old academy product led a heavily rotated City side, starting at centre-forward while Erling Haaland was rested. Samba normally operates in midfield but took his chance emphatically as the holders made it six consecutive wins in all competitions.
How City swept aside Norwich
- City made 10 alterations to their previous line-up, while Norwich boss Philippe Clement changed nine players for the tie.
- Samba opened the scoring shortly before the half-hour mark, meeting a delivery with a header.
- After the interval, the teenager bent in his second and also helped create Rayan Cherki’s goal.
- Allan Elias, the winger signed from Palmeiras last month in a deal initially worth £32 million ($43m), scored on his City debut.
- Ryan McAidoo completed the scoring late on as City reached the last 16 with a 5-0 result.
Samba savours breakthrough night
Samba said he had expected a possible first-team opportunity, but described such a debut as “mind-blowing”. He said he was struggling to take in what had happened, while insisting it was only the start of what he hopes will be a major career.
Maresca praised more than the goals from the young forward. The City manager said Samba had only been tested as a number nine during the previous few days, but his finishing ability had been clear in an impressive all-round performance.
“I have been pleased with our work from the first day,” Maresca said. “Norwich were serious and professional, so it was not a straightforward game. I am very happy with the display.”
Norwich left frustrated
Clement felt his much-changed Championship team competed well despite the heavy defeat. He said his players continued to work, stay organised and produce several encouraging individual displays.
But the Norwich boss was frustrated that City converted five times from six efforts on target. He said the clinical edge reflected the level City possess, adding that Norwich had shown a positive side even if the final margin was too severe.
