Manchester City sweep aside Norwich 5–0 in Carabao Cup rout

A much-changed City side put five past Norwich at the Etihad, with teenage debutant Samba Rose stealing the show with a brace

By Andalo Christine Ingutia

Defending Carabao Cup champions Manchester City swept aside Norwich City 5–0 yesterday evening at the Etihad Stadium in a performance that underlined the remarkable depth available to their manager.

City rotated heavily, with a string of senior players left out of the starting lineup. Ryan Cherki was the only regular to keep his place. For the opening half-hour, Norwich made life uncomfortable for the hosts. The Championship side defended with discipline, denying City space in and around the penalty area, and the hosts struggled to find a way through until the 29th minute.

It was Samba Rose who broke the deadlock — a perfectly timed header from an Allan Elias cross giving City the lead on what was an unforgettable senior debut for the teenager. Within three minutes, the advantage had doubled. Cherki found the back of the net before the teams headed into the interval.

Norwich had kept City honest, but once the first goal arrived the game changed quickly. Rose was not finished. The teenager struck again in the second half to complete a debut brace, and Allan then added his name to the scoresheet, converting after his assist in the first half to make it 4–0.

Even with four goals to their advantage, City refused to ease off. The visitors briefly celebrated what appeared to be a consolation, but the assistant referee’s flag ended that hope immediately. In the 89th minute, substitute Ryan McAidoo cut through a tiring Norwich defence to finish clinically and complete the rout.

The night belonged to Rose. He arrived with composure, took his chances and helped City continue their Carabao Cup defence. At 17, the spotlight will now follow him — and supporters are already eager to see him step up to first-team duty on a more regular basis.

Five goals, a clean sheet and a dominant display. Manchester City turn their attention next to a home fixture on October 31 against Brighton, which will represent a stiffer test of their title defence.

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