Match Report and Player Ratings: Huddersfield Town 0-2 Manchester City (Carabao Cup Third Round) | OneFootball

Manchester City progressed into the fourth round of the Carabao Cup after a comfortable 0-2 win against Huddersfield Town at the Accu Stadium.

James Trafford nearly endured a nightmare return to City’s starting XI just two minutes in, as the former Burnley goalkeeper charged off his line to collect the ball on the edge of the area and nearly picked it up outside of his box.

City quickly settled into possession, with Savinho looking bright on the left-hand side. The Brazilian had his first opportunity to run at the Huddersfield defence in the sixth minute, beating the fullback but failing to find a teammate with his cross into the area.

Pep Guardiola’s side’s first opportunity fell to academy graduate, Divine Mukasa, who saw a close-range effort well blocked after Oscar Bobb’s mazy run into the box. Two minutes later, the 18 year-old threatened again, this time from a corner rising above his marker to direct a header towards goal, only for Lee Nicholls to comfortably collect the effort.

‘The Blues’ were able to break the deadlock in the 19th minute courtesy of Phil Foden, who linked up neatly with Mukasa on the edge of the area, and rifled in a left-footed strike into the bottom corner – a finish that highlighted his growing confidence.

City continued to control the tempo of the affair. Bobb had a penalty shout waved away in the 26th minute after gliding into the box and going down under pressure. For all of the Citizens’ dominance, Huddersfield were able to register their first shot in the 23rd minute, with an effort from Zepiqueno Redmond sailing into the stands.

Despite leading the game and dominating possession, City lacked a cutting edge in the final third missing a natural striker, evident after 38 minutes when Rico Lewis was found and delivered a dangerous ball into the area, only for it to roll harmlessly across the face of goal.

Shortly after, the Terriers found their way past the City defence and were inches away from equalising the tie. Redmond – the home side’s brightest spark – beat Matheus Nunes down the left and picked out captain Ben Wiles, who flashed a shot just wide of Trafford’s post.

Pep Guardiola’s Blues went into the half-time break with a well deserved lead but would have been frustrated not to extend it.

City came back from the interval hungry to add to their lead, with a swift move down the left wing where Savinho released Nico O’Reilly on the overlap. The full-back’s low cross caused a scramble in the box that ended only when defender, Murray Wallace stepped in to clear.

The Brazilian winger had his own chance a few minutes later, cutting inside and unleashing a shot that whistled just wide of the far post, which looked deflected, but referee Michael Salisbury awarded a goal kick, much to the No.26’s frustration.

City would carve the Terriers open again. Nico threaded a perfectly weighted pass through to O’Reilly, who found himself one-on-one with Nicholls. However, the Huddersfield keeper stood tall, racing off his line to block the chipped attempt and keep his side in the contest.

Pep Guardiola’s side were firmly in control and looked increasingly likely to add to their lead, and after 75 minutes, they finally did. Foden showed great composure on the edge of the area, delaying his pass before slipping in Savinho. The winger took a touch before firing a thunderous strike off the underside of the bar and hitting the back of the net.

In the 83rd minute, Nico would look to make it 0-3 as he tried his luck from distance with a speculative strike that had plenty of power but flew just over the bar. Moments later, Kalvin Phillips was introduced from the bench, making his first competitive appearance for City since December 2023.

‘The Blues’ were given a late scare in the 88th minute when Cameron Ashia cut inside from the left and unleashed a curling effort that had James Trafford beaten, only to see it crash off the post.

After three additional minutes of stoppage time, the referee blew the whistle for full-time and brought an end to Manchester City’s Carabao Cup opener. And here is how we rated the players’ individual performances in the Third Round tie at The Accu Stadium!

Player Ratings

Starting XI

James Trafford – 7

Did well to stay composed after the first two minutes. Wasn’t tested heavily throughout the game however impressed with his passing range.

Matheus Nunes – 7.5

The Portuguese was defensively solid throughout the game.

John Stones – 8

Manchester City’s captain for the tie was exceptional, stayed composed and commanding at the back.

Nathan Ake – 7.5

The Dutchman marked his 150th appearance for the club with a solid performance at the back next to John Stones.

Nico O’Reilly – 7

The youngster is really growing into the left-back role with another steady performance all round, linked up well with Nico Gonzalez to nearly score in the second half.

Nico Gonzalez – 7.5

The Spaniard controlled the midfield and kept things in shape throughout.

Rico Lewis – 6

Struggled to make an impact on the game, particularly struggled in finding the right pass to try and break down the Huddersfield low-block.

Phil Foden – 8.5 (POTM)

Manchester City’s No.47 looks back to his best, delivered an outstanding performance, scoring, assisting and dictating play as everything flowed through him.

Oscar Bobb – 6.5

Similar to Rico Lewis, Oscar Bobb struggled to break down the low-block Manchester City were faced with, however the Norwegian improved in the second half.

Divine Mukasa – 7

A solid start from the teenager, who linked up well with Phil Foden to assist the first goal.

Savinho – 8

The Brazilian delivered on his first start of the season, he impressed with his direct runs at defenders and capped it off with a well-taken goal.

Substitutes

Jaden Heskey – 6.5

Impressed in the short amount of time he was on the pitch.

Tijjani Reijnders – 6

Helped strengthen the midfield to secure the win after the second goal.

Kalvin Phillips – N/A

Reigan Heskey – N/A