Manchester City defeated Huddersfield Town 2-0 in the Carabao Cup third round to confirm their progress into the next stage of the competition and underline their intent to compete on all fronts this season.
The Sky Blues travelled to Huddersfield Town only days after their 1-1 draw against Arsenal in the Premier League, and Pep Guardiola’s side responded in the best possible way with a professional and composed performance that saw Phil Foden and Savinho find the net.
While the Carabao Cup has often been seen as an opportunity for top teams to rotate their squads, City showed the strength of their depth once again.
Guardiola made several changes to the starting eleven, handing opportunities to academy products and fringe players, but his side never looked in danger against League One opposition. The goals came at the right times, with Foden’s first-half strike setting the tone before Savinho doubled the advantage after the break.
For the Sky Blues, this victory was more than just progression—it was a reminder that they are still hungry for silverware despite missing out on some major titles last season. City have lifted the Carabao Cup multiple times in the last decade, and once again, they look among the favourites to go all the way.
Below are the notable moments in the 90 minutes of the match in which Manchester City defeated Huddersfield Town 2-0.
Foden’s Precision Sparks City’s Victory
It took just 18 minutes for City to take the lead, and it came from a player who has increasingly become the face of Guardiola’s midfield.
Phil Foden, in his trademark style, received the ball at the edge of the penalty box, took a composed touch, and delivered a low, driven finish into the bottom-right corner. The Huddersfield goalkeeper dived full stretch but could not prevent the ball from nestling into the net.
Foden’s strike carried a familiar quality—fans have grown accustomed to seeing the England international score from similar positions. His ability to create space and unleash a decisive shot has become one of his trademarks.
In fact, he has done it on some of the biggest stages: against Real Madrid in the Champions League and against Manchester United in the Manchester derby.
Foden not only scored a beautiful goal but also provided the assist for the second goal as he continues his impressive start to the season. Also, with Kevin De Bruyne now out of the club, the England international has to shoulder he creative responsibility, and he continues to deliver.
READ MORE: Top Manchester City Players Who Can Win the 2026 Ballon d’Or
READ MORE: How many Carabao Cups has Manchester City won in their history
His latest performance against Huddersfield was another reminder of why many see him as the natural heir to City’s midfield dominance.
The goal was also a statement of intent from a player hungry for more success. His drive reflects the wider ambition of the squad, which looks determined to avoid the complacency that cost them many points last season.
Mukasa and the Heskey Brothers Shine in Their Debuts
If Foden’s strike was the headline, the heartwarming subplot of the night came from the younger faces of Manchester City’s setup. Divine Mukasa, a rising star from the City Football Academy, was handed his full debut, and he did not waste the opportunity.
The 18-year-old looked comfortable from the start, linking up well with experienced teammates and showing maturity beyond his years.
His brightest moment came when he combined neatly with Foden in the build-up to the opening goal. Mukasa’s quick pass opened the space for Foden, and his contribution was officially recorded as an assist.
Meanwhile, the story of the evening did not end with Mukasa. In the second half, City fans were treated to a special family moment when Reigan and Jaden Heskey—sons of former England striker Emile Heskey—both made their senior debuts.
For academy players, making it to the first team is always a cherished milestone, and for two brothers to achieve it in the same match made it unforgettable.
READ MORE: Manchester City’s biggest wins against Arsenal in the Premier League era
READ MORE: Manchester City player with the highest G/A against Arsenal in the Premier League
The Heskey brothers played with energy, showing glimpses of their potential. While their time on the pitch was brief, their involvement represented City’s commitment to offering opportunities to young talents when the stage allows.
The victory sets up a fourth-round clash against Swansea City, and with the fixtures piling up across competitions, Guardiola will turn to the academy players for necessary rotation.
Manchester City Rebuilding Confidence after a Difficult Start to the Season
Beyond the individual stories, Manchester City’s overall display was exactly what Guardiola would have wanted. The squad rotated heavily, but the structure remained intact. City controlled possession, limited Huddersfield to very few chances, and struck clinically when it mattered.
The second goal, scored by Brazilian winger Savinho midway through the second half, sealed the result. It was a goal that highlighted City’s attacking depth and underlined why they are difficult to stop even when key stars are rested.
Also, the victory means that Manchester City are unbeaten in their last four games following a difficult start to the season. After the back-to-back defeat against Tottenham Hotspur and Brighton, the Sky Blues have avoided a defeat against Manchester United, Napoli, Arsenal and Huddersfield Town.
