Phil Foden continued his wonderful start to the season by starring in Manchester City's 2-0 win at Huddersfield Town as Pep Guardiola's side strolled into the fourth round of the Carabao Cup with little resistance. Foden scored the opener and then set up Savinho, whose second-half goal killed off any hope of a fightback from the League Two side.
Guardiola made nine changes to the team that had drawn 1-1 with Arsenal but crucially kept Foden in the line-up, along with his fellow academy graduate Nico O'Reilly.
Foden, who had scored the opening goal in the derby demolition of Manchester United and then set up Erling Haaland to break the deadlock in the Champions League win over Napoli, made sure he had the first say once more, getting City comfortable with an exquisite strike in the 18th minute. The midfielder collected a lay-off from 18-year-old debutant Divine Mukasa and swept the ball into the bottom corner.
City dominated the game and Huddersfield had only one chance in the first half, failing to trouble James Trafford in goal. They got the second goal they had been long been looking for when Foden played in Savinho, who drilled a shot in off the crossbar with 16 minutes to go. Huddersfield hit the post late on but it was a rare scare for Guardiola's side.
GOAL rates Man City's players from Accu Stadium…
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James Trafford (6/10):
Did well on what might be a rare game for him after Gianluigi Donnarumma's arrival. Kept his cool under pressure with the ball at his feet although wasn't asked to make a single save.
Matheus Nunes (6/10):
Huddersfield's best chance of the first half came down his side but it was mostly a trouble-free evening for him and he got involved in the attacking play.
John Stones (7/10):
Brought the ball out well into midfield and was rarely troubled by Huddersfield's forwards.
Nathan Ake (7/10):
Imposed himself physically and gave City the leadership they needed.
Nico O'Reilly (6/10):
Put his physical strength to good use to dispossess Lasse Sorensen and stop a potentially dangerous move from the hosts in its tracks.
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Rico Lewis (7/10)
Given a licence to get forward and dictate City's attacking play thanks to the hosts' negative tactics.
Nico Gonzalez (6/10):
Made a good interception after Foden was tackled, stopping the Huddersfield threat at source.
Phil Foden (8/10):
Justified keeping his spot in the line-up and resumed his excellent start to the campaign after recovering from injury. His goal was pure Foden, a lethal left-footed strike which left goalkeeper Lee Nicholls with no chance.
Oscar Bobb (7/10):
Showed his class with some silky dribbles and intelligent movement off the ball.
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Divine Mukasa (7/10):
An impressive debut, notching his first assist. Held the ball up well and carried a threat, firing a powerful effort at Nicholls.
Savinho (7/10):
Made the most of facing lower-league opposition and his relentless trickery and driving runs finally paid off with his goal.
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Jaden Heskey (6/10): An ideal situation for him to make his debut.
Tijjani Reijnders (6/10): Was looking to nip into the box after replacing Foden but didn't get much help with through balls.
Kalvin Phillips (N/A): Probably didn't imagine he would play for City again and no one could begrudge him the moment when he came off the bench.
Reigan Heskey (N/A): Joined his brother on the pitch to complete a dream evening for his family.
Pep Guardiola (7/10): Gave the majority of his players a rest but still watched his team ease into the next round while handing out three debuts and a welcome return for Phillips.
