Floyd Samba lit up this tie with a debut that will have the 17-year-old grinning for a while after a goal in each half ensured Manchester City advanced to face Brighton in the last 16 in their defence of the Carabao Cup.
Samba has an older brother by a year, Tyrone, who is also in the academy. Their father, Christopher, is a former Blackburn and QPR defender.
With a game featuring speed, awareness and a poacher’s eye, he hopes to make a case for regular first-team game time. Given the elite-level forward competition this will be tough, but tonight was a fine calling card.
For Enzo Maresca, a sixth successive win maintains a 100% record for his nascent project and points to how the manager is shrugging off doubts about succeeding Pep Guardiola.
City host Sunderland here on Sunday. Defeat Régis Le Bris’ side and Maresca will enjoy his three-week international break. You would not bet against them doing so – City are improving with each outing, as they did against Norwich.
Maresca’s formation was fluid and reaped a first dividend when Nico O’Reilly’s cross was fumbled by the visiting goalkeeper, Daniel Grimshaw.
City doubled their lead when Samba laid the ball off to Ayyoub Bouaddi, the midfielder hit the ball to Rayan Cherki and, as Grimshaw advanced, he beat the keeper to his right.
Soon, Allan joined Samba in registering on his City bow. From the left, the Brazilian zigzagged in, beat Sam Field once, cut back to beat him again, then found the far corner with a lethal strike.