Manchester City took on Huddersfield Town in the third round of the EFL Cup, where they claimed a crucial 2-0 win to remain in the competition.
Manchester City's third round fixture against Huddersfield Town saw them secure the victory that sends them into the next round of the Carabao Cup.
The game gave Pep Guardiola and his coaching staff an opportunity to rest key players and give a chance to the upcoming players from the academy. Manchester City won the game 2-0 with goals from Savinho and Phil Foden, with the former assisting Savinho. For the Foden's goal, Divine Mukasa claimed the assist.
The squad saw nine changes with star players such as Erling Haaland, Jeremy Doku, and Rodri not being apart of the selected squad for this fixture, as well as other senior team players such as Tijjani Reijnders, Dias, and Donnarumma featuring on the bench.
The squad featured 10 academy players across the starting line-up and the bench, with new signing and former academy goalkeeper James Trafford starting in goal, Nico O’Reilly lined up at left back, Rico Lewis, Foden, and Oscar Bobb featured in the midfield five, and Divine Mukasa led the line. Sibling duo Jaden and Reigan Heskey, who are the sons of former England international Emile Heskey, came off the bench in the latter stages of the match. Unfortunately, Mfuni and Braithwaite were not able to get minutes in this game.
What Pep Guardiola had to say after the game
“I prefer a rotated team and today was perfect for many players."
"Oscar played good, Savinho played good, and all of them were aggressive, without the ball we were really good winning duels so in terms of that I’m really satisfied.”
Rico Lewis also commented on the game
“It’s so nice and it’s amazing to see that the Academy is doing so well still, producing amazing players as you’ve seen today,”
“The lads that came on, congratulations to them on making their debut, but it’s amazing from the outside looking in to see all of the youth coming through and doing well.”
“I think the first team philosophy and tactics are instilled from the Academy when you’re probably 10/11 years old.”
Hopefully the academy players get more opportunities across the season to show their talent to Pep Guardiola and his coaching staff. This will also be a big positive for these players, who now have had the massive opportunity to take centre stage for the Cityzens.