Arsenal, the defending Premier League champions, arrived at the Amex top of the table on goal difference, level on points with City. They left it pecked. Two first-half goals from outside the box — the first time Arsenal have conceded twice from distance in a first half since 2012 — set Brighton on their way.

Pascal Gross, 35, scored the opener with a quick turn. Charalampos Kostoulas added the second, finding so much space he could have taken a few touches before shooting. Arsenal had no answer to Brighton's constant attack.

The result leaves Mikel Arteta's side on 12 points from five games. City, who host Sunderland at the Etihad on Sunday, can move three clear with a win. Enzo Maresca's side will be wary: Sunderland are capable of causing problems.

Brighton, meanwhile, sit third on 10 points, though they have played a game more than several teams straining to get inside the top four. Brentford have nine points from five games. Hull City have eight, though they were trailing Newcastle at the time of writing.

There is just one match left before the international break. If City beat Sunderland, they will go into early October at the summit. City fans can rest easy — at least for now.

The 25-year-old has joked that he would happily go in goal if the situation demanded it — a claim that carries more weight than most when you remember the last City full-back forced between the posts.

That was Kyle Walker, back in November 2019, stepping in after Claudio Bravo had been sent off and Ederson picked up an injury. Aït-Nouri, it seems, would not need asking twice.

A season of adjustment

His first campaign at the Etihad did not unfold as planned. Arriving in the summer of 2025, the Algerian found his rhythm disrupted by a string of minor injuries, while Nico O'Reilly's outstanding form limited his opportunities further. It was a stop-start introduction to life in Manchester, the kind of season that tests a player's patience as much as his ability.

Pre-season offered a glimpse of something different. Deployed in a more advanced role, Aït-Nouri scored twice on City's tour of Asia and looked entirely at ease further up the pitch. He carried that momentum into the Champions League curtain-raiser against FC Porto, teeing up Erling Haaland's game-clinching goal.

For a defender who registered more goal involvements than any other in the Premier League during his final season at Wolves, it was a reminder of what he brings going forward.

Learning under Maresca

Speaking about life under Enzo Maresca, Aït-Nouri's enthusiasm is hard to miss. "It's amazing to learn every day in training with him," he said. "We work on a lot of details, and we take pleasure in working with the coach to press, defend and build up. It is different to be with Enzo, the way we stretch the pitch is different."

That tactical shift appears to suit him. The freedom to push higher, to contribute in the final third, aligns with a player who has always looked more comfortable attacking than defending.

"To play with these kinds of players is amazing. We have a very good group on and off the pitch. We all talk to each other and it's important to be like that to be better on the pitch. It's a small family so we all want the best for each other."

It is the sort of sentiment that can sound rehearsed at a press conference. From Aït-Nouri, who arrived in Manchester as a Paris-born outsider, it carries a little more weight.

"I love Manchester. The fans and the people are so nice and it's a beautiful place," he explained. "But my favourite thing to do is to stay home and relax with my family. I like to watch series — my favourite is Prison Break; I've watched it four times now. Spending time at home is so relaxing and helps me be at my best in training, too."

Beyond January

Off the pitch, his immediate future appears settled. According to a new report, Maresca is set to retain Aït-Nouri beyond January 2027, after a surprise loan approach from Old Trafford on deadline day failed to materialise.

Whether that interest resurfaces remains to be seen. For now, City have a versatile defender, a capable attacking outlet, and — if the worst happens — a goalkeeper in waiting.

City have taken maximum points from their opening four league games under the Italian. Last weekend's 1-0 win at Manchester United kept the run intact, and Wednesday's 5-0 Carabao Cup dismissal of Norwich — a night when Maresca made ten changes — did nothing to suggest the machine is creaking.

The names already in the five-from-five group are not the sort you stumble into. Carlo Ancelotti and Maurizio Sarri both managed it at Chelsea. Ancelotti went one better and made it six. Pep Guardiola did the same at City in 2016. Craig Shakespeare managed six at Leicester, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer six at United. A mixed bag, granted, but a short one.

Maresca, though, is not counting anything yet. He watched Sunderland's recent matches and did not much like what he saw.

"I have the feeling that the Sunderland game will be the toughest game since we started the season," he said.

That is not the standard pre-match deflection. City's fixture list has been awkward enough already, and Maresca used his midweek selection to address the load. Ten changes at Carrow Road were designed to protect those who had gone the distance against Porto and United.

"We gave rest to the ones that played back-to-back 90 minutes against Porto and United," he explained.

"It was important for them to give them rest and hopefully they can be full of energy for Sunday's game that will be a strong game."

City are also waiting on Jeremy Doku, who has been on the sidelines and remains a doubt for the weekend.

Five league games into a reign is no time for sweeping statements. Nobody wins a trophy in September, and Maresca knows the difference between a good start and a season. But five wins from five would put him on a very short list — and leave Sunderland, and everyone else, with something to think about.

Speaking to Gol Caracol, Martinez's mother Victoria Valencia painted a picture of a household under siege. "We had 30 teams around the world, and we spent almost a month and a half without sleep," she said. "Everyone was calling at all hours. We lived on European time for a month."

City were not alone in their interest. Manchester United, Chelsea, Barcelona, Borussia Dortmund, Watford and Udinese all made enquiries, according to his father Jairo Martinez. The 17-year-old, a 6ft attacking midfielder, had his pick of some of the biggest clubs in Europe.

A tournament that changed everything

It was in Paraguay, five months ago, that Martinez announced himself. Colombia won the U17 South American Championship, and their No.10 contributed three assists in six matches. One came against Brazil in the semi-final, another in the final against Argentina.

Those performances did the rest. The race for his signature became a scramble, with Liverpool eventually confirming an agreement with Atletico Nacional that can only be completed when Martinez turns 18 next year.

His parents insist the final call belonged to their son. "We had conversations with everyone, but Samuel made the decision," they said. "We rely on what he wants, what he decides, what he feels comfortable with."

For City, it is another near-miss in a market where the margins are increasingly fine. The Blues have their own teenage success story in Floyd Samba, who described his Carabao Cup debut against Norwich City as a dream come true after scoring twice. But Martinez was clearly a target they rated highly.

He will arrive on Merseyside with time to settle. His father revealed that Samuel has been studying English with a personal tutor, and by the time he officially joins in April, he should be ready for the next step.

Whether City rue this one in years to come remains to be seen. For now, they can only watch as a player they wanted learns his trade at Anfield.

Manchester City are back in Premier League action this weekend, with Sunderland the visitors to the Etihad Stadium. It is a fixture that, on paper at least, looks straightforward. On grass, it rarely is.

Erling Haaland will return to the starting XI after being rested for the Carabao Cup win against Norwich. The Norwegian has six goals already this season and will be looking to add to that tally. He has not scored against Sunderland since the Mackems returned to the top flight, a statistic that will irritate him more than most.

Phil Foden is suspended, which removes a creative option from the middle. Jeremy Doku might be fit to play a part, though his involvement is not guaranteed. The likely wide pairing is Antoine Semenyo on the left and Iliman Ndiaye on the right.

Gianluigi Donnarumma will certainly take up his place between the sticks. In front of him, Matheus Nunes will probably start at right back, though Abdukodir Khusanov will be pushing for that spot. At the heart of the defence will almost certainly be Ruben Dias and Marc Guehi.

With Nico O'Reilly's return, Enzo Maresca may decide to put him in at left back and take Josko Gvardiol out. That would be a bold call. A midfield three of Enzo Fernandez, Elliot Anderson and O'Reilly is what I'm expecting, with Cherki on the bench.

Since the Community Shield, the Blues have won every game. That run includes the Manchester derby, where City played with 10 men for 70 minutes. It is the kind of sequence that builds momentum quietly, without the fanfare that usually accompanies a title charge in September.

Last season's corresponding fixture ended in a 3-0 win for City. Sunderland will travel with hope, as they always do, but the champions have not shown much willingness to hand out favours at home.

Predicted lineup: Gianluigi Donnarumma; Matheus Nunes, Ruben Dias, Marc Guehi, Josko Gvardiol; Enzo Fernandez, Elliot Anderson, Nico O'Reilly; Antoine Semenyo, Iliman Ndiaye, Erling Haaland.

Barcelona want Erling Haaland. They have wanted him for a long time. That much has never really been in dispute. What has changed is the sheer scale of the obstacle standing between the Catalan club and the Manchester City striker.

Haaland's contract at the Etihad runs until 2034. That is not a typo. When he signed the new deal, there were no active release clauses written into it. The only escape route comes at the end of the 2028-29 campaign, when a clause finally becomes available. Until then, Barcelona can look all they like.

Hansi Flick is understood to be a serious fan of what Haaland offers. The Barcelona manager wants a proper number nine, a focal point to succeed Robert Lewandowski and keep his side ahead of Real Madrid. Haaland fits that brief perfectly. Getting him out of Manchester, though, is a different conversation entirely.

Getting him out of Manchester City is going to be a totally different prospect due to his contract length, and obviously his price tag as well.

There is talk of a huge offer being prepared for next year. Barcelona are among the clubs with a genuine interest in the 26-year-old. But the numbers involved, and the length of the deal he signed, make this a far more complicated pursuit than previous flirtations.

Why City hold all the cards

Haaland has scored 168 goals in 2014 appearances for City. That tally includes six strikes in as many outings since the start of this season. He is not a player you replace easily, and City have no reason to entertain offers.

For Barcelona, the dream signing remains exactly that. A dream. The reality is a contract that runs for another eight years and a clause that does not become active for several seasons yet. They can plan, they can admire, but they cannot act.

City, for their part, will be quite happy with the arrangement.

Matheus Nunes has revealed that his Manchester City teammates played a key role in persuading him to embrace a new position. The midfielder, who arrived at the Etihad in 2023, initially had little enthusiasm for the idea of playing in defence. But according to Nunes, Bernardo Silva and Ruben Dias were instrumental in changing his mind.

"I'm Not a Full-Back"

Nunes admitted he was resistant to the idea at first, telling his friends repeatedly that he was not a full-back. "I would tell my friends all the time, I'm not a full-back, I'm not a full-back," he said. The persistence of Bernardo and Dias, however, wore him down. "The teammates, Bernardo and Ruben, were so annoying all the time as well, they were in my head constantly as well," Nunes explained. "You were good there, you were good there. You need to accept it."

Eventually, Nunes began to listen. The turning point came when he started playing regularly at right-back and saw how Pep Guardiola responded. That reaction helped shift his perspective on the role.

Establishing Himself Under Maresca

Now, under Enzo Maresca, Nunes has quickly established himself. His performances have caught the eye, not least in the recent derby win at Old Trafford, where he carried the ball 150 metres from 14 carries. It was a display that underlined his growing comfort in the position.

Away from football, Nunes has a family connection to Sunderland: his stepfather supports the Black Cats and holds a season ticket at the Stadium of Light. Nunes's full interview is available via the Manchester Evening News.

It was a night that showcased the depth of City's academy, with Maresca making ten changes to the side that beat Manchester United on the weekend. Among those coming in were academy trio Floyd Samba, Kaden Braithwaite and Ryan McAidoo, while a midfield axis of Rayan Cherki and Mateo Kovacic provided the experienced spine to help suppress Norwich's early aggression.

Elias, making his first appearance under Maresca since joining in August, had a hand in the opening goal. He returned a cross into the box for Samba to pounce on, the 17-year-old heading into the far corner for a debut goal of his own. From there, the home side took control.

The Brazilian's start to the game was not entirely smooth. He lost possession early on and struggled to find confidence with the ball at his feet. But he turned things around in some style, recording a goal and assist inside 20 minutes of dominant football from City.

Just three minutes after the second half kicked off, Elias added a third to the scoreline, wrapping his foot around the ball and flashing a low shot across the face of goal. A quintessential debut performance, and one that will have pleased Maresca and Viana no end.

By the hour mark, it was the academy graduates who looked like seasoned professionals. Samba secured his brace by the 54th minute, and with City running away with the game, Norwich began to fade. McAidoo, who had replaced Cherki at half-time, completed the scoring after 90 minutes to make it 5-0.

Elias took to Instagram after the game to share his delight:

“So happy to make my debut in this shirt! It was incredible to experience this special night alongside all Cityzens. May this be the beginning of a great journey!”

The win maintains City's perfect start to the season, and with several attacking departures over the summer – including Tottenham's double-sweep of Omar Marmoush and Savinho – Elias arrived at the Etihad motivated but aware that first-team chances would be hard to come by. On this evidence, he may not have to wait long for his next one.

Twenty minutes of hard education

Norwich City's Darlin Yongwa gave him a proper introduction. The left-back shoved him off the ball without much ceremony, and for a spell Allan looked like a player still working out the speed of the game here. That opening quarter of an hour was not kind to him.

What followed was better. He kept running, tracked back when possession went astray, and gradually found his footing. The reward came when his first cross from the right was met by Floyd Samba, whose header opened the scoring. An assist on your debut tends to settle the nerves.

Enzo Maresca had given him the start against Norwich in the third-round Carabao Cup tie, a 5-0 win for City. Allan arrived from Palmeiras in the summer and had waited for his chance. The club's approach with him has been patient, allowing him room to adjust to life in England rather than throwing him in cold.

The switch that unlocked him

City led 2-0 at the break. Early in the second half, Maresca moved Allan from the right flank to the left. The change worked almost immediately. Allan collected the ball on the left, drove at the Norwich defence, worked himself into space, dropped his shoulder and finished left-footed past Daniel Grimshaw to make it 3-0 in the 48th minute.

That was the moment his confidence visibly surged. Everything he had struggled with in the opening exchanges seemed to fall away. Maresca, speaking after the match, was pleased with what he saw.

"I think it was a good performance. It was not easy – the first minutes here at home is always complicated."

He added: "I think it was important for him to play to see a little bit of the English competition is a bit different to South America, so overall, it was good, he scored a goal and an assist – I think he is happy!"

The win sets up a fourth-round Carabao Cup tie against Brighton. For Allan, the night offered a glimpse of what he will bring once he fully adapts: effort out of possession, trickery and elegance in possession. The physicality of English football remains a hurdle, but on this evidence he is a quick study.

The build-up lasted barely half an hour before it descended into chaos. Phil Foden reacted to a challenge from Bruno Fernandes and was shown a straight red, a decision that left City facing more than two-thirds of the 199th Manchester derby with ten men. Fernandes appeared to kick out at Foden in the moments before the England midfielder responded, and plenty of supporters felt both players should have gone. Donnarumma was blunt about it afterwards: "The red card was harsh. Really harsh."

He was just as pointed when asked to weigh the two big calls of the afternoon. "You have to ask questions about the sending off if you're asking questions about the goal," he told Sky Sports. "But that's part of football, part of the game."

Erling Haaland settled it on the hour, his strike surviving a lengthy VAR review that seemed to take longer than the second half itself. It was his record ninth goal in Manchester derbies, and it arrived at a point when City had spent the best part of an hour digging in rather than dictating.

I loved my team-mates' performance, it was sublime.

United twice struck the woodwork, through Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo, but otherwise found precious little against a backline marshalled superbly by Marc Guehi and Ruben Dias. Mbeumo's late chance was the clearest opening they carved out, and Donnarumma dealt with it.

"I'm really happy with the performance of my team, the capacity to stay in the game and react in difficult moments," he said. "No one can take that from us. This is who we are. This is our team. This is Manchester City."

It was Maresca's first Manchester derby win, and the manner of it will linger. The result keeps City neck-and-neck with Arsenal at the top of the table, the champions leading by a single goal. Four games, four wins, and a statement afternoon in Manchester.

Donnarumma, for his part, was already looking beyond it. "We need to keep going," he said. "We have to move forward with confidence, keep our heads down, work hard, because every match is tough."

He added: "If we want to compete for major goals, we have to work hard, and I'm sure we will because we have a fantastic coach in Enzo Maresca."

And a word for the supporters who made the short trip. "We'll give everything for this shirt, this club that gives us so much and offers so much great support. It has a great history, we need to give a lot back."

Manchester City's ticketing technology provider, SeatGeek, is stepping further into the spotlight. The two parties have broadened their existing arrangement into a full global partnership, a move that will put the company's branding across the club's digital and social channels and inside the Etihad and Joie Stadiums on both men's and women's matchdays.

The relationship isn't new. SeatGeek first came on board as City's primary ticketing technology partner ahead of the 2018/19 season, and has been the engine behind matchday, hospitality and concert ticketing at both stadiums ever since. What's changed is the scope: an eight-year working relationship has now grown into something more visible and more commercial.

For supporters, the practical experience stays the same. Tickets are still bought and managed through the club's website and app, and City retain control of direct sales and resales through their own channels. SeatGeek continues to supply the technology underneath. No new buying process comes with this announcement.

What the Club Says

Greg Swimer, City Football Group's chief technology officer, framed the deal as part of a wider push on the fan experience.

"Continuously investing in the best technology to improve the online ticketing and membership experience for fans is a key priority for Manchester City."

Swimer also called SeatGeek the club's trusted ticketing technology provider and said City were looking forward to continuing the relationship.

US Ambitions

SeatGeek won't just be raising its profile in Manchester. The company plans to use the partnership to grow its presence in the United States — a market City Football Group knows well. For City, it's another commercial extension of a technical arrangement that has quietly been in place for nearly a decade.

The timing is typical. City return to Premier League action against Sunderland on Sunday, with Jeremy Doku potentially available after injury. Ticket news rarely dominates a matchweek, but this one at least keeps the turnstiles running smoothly.

City have won all four of their Premier League fixtures and added a 5-0 Carabao Cup thrashing of Norwich on Thursday night. That makes it six competitive victories out of six since Maresca took over from Pep Guardiola, who departed after a decade in charge.

The sheer scale of the summer rebuild made such a start far from guaranteed. Rodri, Bernardo Silva, John Stones and Nathan Ake were among the senior players to move on, leaving Maresca to reshape a squad that had grown accustomed to Guardiola's methods.

"The players have quickly understood what I want," Maresca said, praising their adaptability. Given the turnover in personnel, that understanding has been central to City's early momentum.

Maresca is no stranger to the Etihad, having previously worked under Guardiola as part of the coaching staff. That familiarity may have eased the transition, but the results on the pitch have done the real talking.

Next up is Sunday's meeting with Sunderland, where City will look to extend their perfect start.

He took it. Allan scored City's third goal against the Championship outfit and added an assist, a tidy return for a first outing in sky blue. The numbers, as relayed by Fotmob on 18 September, back up the eye test: 80 per cent pass completion, one chance created, one big chance created, a 0.52 xA, one shot on target, 0.07 xG, two of four dribbles completed, and all three attempted long balls found their mark.

Norwich, for their part, are a side who could be in the Premier League next season. That context matters when weighing up a debut like this. A Championship outfit at home in the cup is not the sternest test Allan will face, but the manner of his performance — direct, efficient, involved — was exactly what you want from a new arrival.

The obvious question now is whether Allan has done enough to earn another start. City host Sunderland on the weekend in the Premier League, a fixture in which they will be heavy favourites. It remains to be seen who Maresca elects to start against the Black Cats, but Allan has given him something to think about.

For a player who had waited his turn, that is all you can ask. The step up from Palmeiras to the Premier League is rarely straightforward, and one eye-catching cup display does not make a season. But on this evidence, City may have uncovered a gem.

The 2024 Ballon d'Or winner brought a seven-year stay in Manchester to an end, a departure that reshaped the middle of Enzo Maresca's side and handed the club one of the defining stories of their summer.

Rodri arrived in 2019 as the long-term successor to Fernandinho, and left as one of the finest midfielders in world football. He had always imagined a different ending.

"I always thought I would end my career there, because it's where they gave me everything. I was happy and I shared what I believe was one of the best generations in the history of English football, with the manager we had."

The manager in question, Pep Guardiola, shaped the era in which Rodri became indispensable. Moving on was not something the player had contemplated — until it was.

"I never thought about leaving. But it's true that there was a change of cycle. And after the World Cup, I reflected on it and reached the conclusion that perhaps another experience was better. Barça was my choice."

Real Madrid were among the clubs interested in his signature. Rodri confirmed that much, and framed the choice in straightforward terms.

"For me, the difficult decision was understanding that my time in Manchester had ended. That was complicated."

"And the decision to come to a club like Barcelona was never difficult, with everything it represents, with what attracted me in a footballing sense. Saying no to other great clubs like Real Madrid isn't easy, but I was clear about it."

He has settled quickly in Catalonia, helping Hansi Flick's Barcelona make a flawless start to the campaign. The reunion will come soon enough: City were drawn to face Barcelona in this season's Champions League league phase, a fixture that carries obvious weight for a player who gave so much in Manchester — and who knows winning that trophy is Barcelona's great ambition.

City, meanwhile, have not stood still. Maresca has overseen a sweeping rebuild of his midfield, with Elliot Anderson, Ayyoub Bouaddi and Enzo Fernandez all arriving. Bouaddi, in particular, has been recruited with the long term in mind, a nod to the scale of the void Rodri left behind.

Replacing a player of his influence was always going to be a tall order. Anderson and Fernandez have impressed as City have taken maximum points from their season so far — a start that suggests the transition is further along than many expected.

Rodri, for his part, has no regrets about the destination. Only about the timing of the goodbye.

Four wins from four. Arsenal have matched it, so the title race is already shaping up as a two-horse affair. City's perfect start has been helped, in part, by a VAR call that allowed Erling Haaland's goal against Manchester United to stand, despite Enzo Fernandez being offside and interfering with play. Enzo Maresca's side took full advantage.

Sunderland, by contrast, have one win, one draw and two defeats. Last season they finished seventh and qualified for the Europa League. This time around, they are yet to get going.

A decade of dominance

City's unbeaten run against Sunderland goes back to the 2013/14 campaign, when Phil Bardsley scored the winner at the Stadium of Light. Since then, City have won the next 11 meetings. Last season, Sunderland drew at home but lost heavily at the Etihad, with Phil Foden among the scorers.

Foden will miss this one, though. He is suspended after his red card in the Manchester derby, so Sunderland can breathe a little easier.

Goalscorers of the past

Sergio Agüero scored in three of City's last five games against Sunderland, a record that underlines his knack for finding the net against the Black Cats. He retired after a brief spell at Barcelona in 2021.

For the record, the only Sunderland goalscorer in the last five meetings was Jermain Defoe. That is the sum total of their threat in this fixture over recent years.

Manchester City return to Premier League action on Sunday, hosting Sunderland at the Etihad Stadium. The Blues have won all of their league games so far, including a gritty away Manchester derby victory over United with just ten men. Midweek brought a straightforward Carabao Cup win over Norwich City.

Sunderland arrive off a defeat to Arsenal, though they did beat AZ Alkmaar in the Conference League. In the Premier League, the Black Cats have managed just one win, one draw, and two losses. Regis Le Bris will be without several key players.

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Sunderland's Injury Woes

Mundle faces a long spell out with a knee problem. Le Bris said: "Romaine has a knee injury, which is a shame because he had a good pre-season. We will support him and hope he is ready by the end of the year." The forward is likely to return early next year.

Diarra is also sidelined, with Le Bris recently commenting: "Habib is in the middle of his recovery." He is expected back after the international break, around mid-October. Mandava remains suspended until after the international break following a red card.

City's Selection Issues

Foden will serve a longer suspension after his red card in the Manchester derby was deemed violent conduct. Doku could return from his calf issue, with the City boss saying this week: "Jeremy is quite close - we are happy!" The winger will be assessed ahead of this one.

City's formidable home record and Sunderland's poor start suggest a routine afternoon, but with Foden out and Doku a doubt, the manager may need to shuffle his pack. The Blues will be keen to maintain their perfect league record.

For a young player at City, that combination — instant praise and an immediate caution — is nothing new. The club's academy has produced a steady stream of talent, and the step up to the first team is rarely straightforward. A debut can be a breakthrough, or it can be a fleeting glimpse.

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Samba's first outing in a City shirt evidently left an impression. The Carabao Cup has long been a stage for emerging players to stake a claim, and Samba took his chance. The phrase 'mind-blowing' suggests he did more than just avoid mistakes.

Yet the warning attached to his performance was blunt. Football is ruthless. A good debut guarantees nothing — not minutes, not a place in the squad, not a future at the Etihad. The message was clear: enjoy the moment, but don't get comfortable.

That tension is familiar to anyone who has watched City's youth pipeline closely. For every Phil Foden, there are dozens who shine briefly and then drift. The club's standards are unforgiving, and the competition for places is fierce.

Samba's debut is a story worth noting, but the caveat is part of it. A mind-blowing start is just that — a start. What comes next will be decided by what he does with the opportunity, not by the headlines his first game generated.

Manchester City's 5-0 Carabao Cup win over Norwich City on Thursday night made it six victories from six since Enzo Maresca took charge. Four of those have come in the Premier League, one in the Champions League, and the Norwich rout completed the set.

City have not conceded in their last four matches. That defensive run is the sort of detail that tends to get noticed, even when the opposition has been obliging.

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Maresca, though, was having none of it. Asked by the media after the Norwich game how he felt about his 6-0 start, he offered a response that was polite but pointed.

"Very happy with these six in a row, but now the main focus is on the next one. I am not thinking we have won six in a row. I am happy, yes, but now the focus is on Sunderland and then the international break."

It is the sort of line a manager reaches for when he knows the fixture list has been kind and the real tests are still to come. There are 34 Premier League matches left. Nobody wins anything in September.

Maresca has enough experience, both in winning and losing, to understand that. The next match, against Sunderland on Sunday, offers a chance to extend the run before the international break interrupts the rhythm.

For now, the start is exactly that. A start. The kind that looks impressive in isolation and means little until the weather turns. City fans have seen enough false dawns to know the difference.

But football is not the only thing on Lewis's mind. This summer, he staged a seven-a-side football tournament that raised over £3,000 for S.P.I.N. – Supporting People In Need. The event drew a crowd that included teammate Phil Foden, recent academy talent Kaden Braithwaite, and Lewis's younger sister Sacha, who signed her first professional contract with City's Women this summer.

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A padel tournament was also held for the same cause while Lewis was away on the club's pre-season tour. And in a summer of personal milestones, he married his long-time partner Amelia in a picturesque Lake Como ceremony.

Now, Lewis is firmly refocused on football. He is expected to feature against Norwich City in the home Carabao Cup third-round fixture on Thursday night. Maresca has revealed that three Manchester City academy graduates will “be involved” in the clash, and Lewis will be eager to seize his opportunity.

Competition for the right-back spot is stiff, with Matheus Nunes and Abdukodir Khusanov also vying for minutes. But Lewis, a popular figure at the club, has never been one to shy away from a challenge.

As he embarks on another season in sky blue, the 21-year-old will be hoping to add to his tally of appearances and perhaps a few more memorable moments – both on and off the pitch.

Pre-season Decision

The City boss decided to keep the trio with his senior group after pre-season, and all three will be involved in Thursday night's Carabao Cup tie against Norwich City at the Etihad. It marks the beginning of City's defence of the trophy they lifted last season.

For Maresca, age is largely irrelevant if a young player is good enough and has the right attitude. That philosophy has opened the door for McAidoo, Braithwaite and Samba, who have impressed enough to earn regular spots among the first-team group.

McAidoo Makes His Mark

McAidoo, an 18-year-old winger, has already made two Premier League appearances this season. Maresca first called him 'the kind of winger I love' after he impressed against Inter during City's pre-season tour of Asia. The teenager's direct style and fearlessness have clearly caught the manager's eye.

Braithwaite offers versatility in defence, a quality that has earned him senior minutes this season. Samba, described by Maresca as an attacking midfielder who can get into the penalty area and finish, is still waiting for his opportunity. That chance may come on Thursday.

The Foden Example

When explaining the connection a homegrown player can have with the club, Maresca pointed to Phil Foden as the obvious example. Foden's journey from academy prospect to first-team mainstay serves as a blueprint for the latest batch of hopefuls.

But promotion comes with scrutiny. Maresca revealed that ability, attitude and behaviour are monitored even when the youngsters drop back into the EDS, with a member of his staff accompanying them. It's a clear message: the standards don't change, regardless of which squad you're training with.

For now, McAidoo and Braithwaite have already tasted senior football this season, while Samba waits in the wings. All three will get their chance to impress against Norwich as City begin their Carabao Cup defence.

Adam Wharton has dismissed suggestions that he came close to joining Manchester City this summer. The Crystal Palace midfielder says he never entertained the idea of leaving Selhurst Park, despite reported interest from the Blues.

City are understood to have made a late enquiry for the 22-year-old before completing a deal for Enzo Fernandez from Chelsea. But Wharton claims he was oblivious to any negotiations, and happier for it.

"I never really thought about transfers this summer. I stay very far away from it," he said. "My agent doesn't really tell me anything; I don't want to know anything. If I'm not going to move, there's no need for me to have any information."

That approach, he suggests, is deliberate. By shutting out the noise, Wharton can focus on the only thing that matters: playing. "I never thought about a different club; I was always here training, looking forward to a new season, the gaffer, new players coming in."

It is a refreshingly old-school attitude in an era of rolling transfer gossip. Wharton, an England international, had been on City's radar for several years. Pep Guardiola, Maresca's predecessor, publicly expressed his admiration for the player. But any move would have been complicated by his contract situation.

"I have three years left at Palace; for all I know I'm here for three years unless a club comes in or there's another contract," Wharton added. "I take it week by week, game by game. That helps me get the best out of myself and concentrate on what is next. There's never really anything more to it. I'm happy to be playing games and trying to improve."

With three years still to run on his deal, Palace are under no pressure to sell. Any offer would probably have to exceed £100m to be considered, which may explain why City looked elsewhere. The Blues recruited three new midfielders this summer: Fernandez, Ayyoub Bouaddi and Elliot Anderson. It seems unlikely they will reignite their pursuit of Wharton.

Liverpool and Manchester United have also been linked with the midfielder, but he appears in no rush to leave. For now, Wharton is content at Palace, taking it one game at a time. And that, he insists, is all there is to it.

Anderson's nickname, 'Geordie Maradona', is now being understood by a wider audience. The club's official account released footage from a training session in which the midfielder appeared to be suspended in the air when touching down the ball. Fans were gobsmacked, despite him losing possession in the clip. One supporter even suggested the video looked AI-generated.

City's attention now turns to the Carabao Cup and a clash with Norwich City on 17 September. The Blues have lost just once to the Championship side since 2011, a 3-2 defeat at Carrow Road in 2019. In the last five meetings, all in the Premier League since 2016, City lead 16-3 on aggregate.

Norwich, managed by Philippe Clement, possess a dangerous player in Mohamed Toure, but it will take a lot for them to claim victory at the Etihad.

A first for Ricardo

Ricardo's career has been built largely in the EFL, where he oversaw 20 Championship matches last season. His only previous involvement with City came in August 2023, when he refereed the Under-21s' 4-4 draw with Aston Villa. Since then, his appointments have included Championship and Carabao Cup games, plus a role as fourth official in the Premier League. Thursday will be his sixth match of the season and his third in this competition, having already taken charge of Birmingham City's 1-0 win at Swansea and West Ham's 4-1 victory at Southampton.

He will be assisted by James Mainwaring and Richard Woodward, with Michael Salisbury as fourth official. There will be no VAR, as the technology is not used at this stage of the Carabao Cup.

City's quick turnaround

The tie comes four days after City's 1-0 win at Old Trafford, a match in which they played for more than an hour with ten men following Phil Foden's first-half red card. Foden will be suspended for the Norwich game, and Enzo Maresca is expected to make changes as his side negotiate another quick turnaround.

City lifted the Carabao Cup four seasons in succession between 2018 and 2021 — a run that feels a long time ago now. Maresca's first season is barely underway, but this competition offers an early chance at silverware.

Manchester City's Carabao Cup third-round tie with Norwich City tomorrow night at the Etihad Stadium is likely to hand Gerónimo Rulli a first competitive outing in City colours — nine years after he left the club without one.

Rulli, signed from Marseille on August 12, subject to international clearance, has been earmarked as Gianluigi Donnarumma's understudy this season. James Trafford's move to Leeds United left a gap in the goalkeeping department, and City moved quickly to fill it with an experienced Argentinian.

That Rulli is expected to start against Norwich is no great surprise. City have a long-established habit of using their backup keeper in cup competitions, and with Donnarumma firmly installed as the league option, the Carabao Cup is the obvious stage.

What makes it notable is the backstory. Rulli was on City's books during the 2016-17 season, spending that campaign on loan at Real Sociedad. He never made a senior appearance for the club, and was eventually sold to the La Liga side, where he built a career that has since taken him across Europe.

Now 34, he returns to Manchester having achieved something he had all but given up on. Speaking to mancity.com, Rulli described the move as the fulfilment of a long-held ambition.

“I feel as though the circle has closed. I’m so happy to have achieved what I always wanted: to play for this club. Even before wearing the shirt, I felt part of me belonged at Manchester City. Wearing these colours and badge gives me a joy and emotion I hadn’t felt in my career.”

Whether he gets many more opportunities beyond tomorrow night is another matter. Donnarumma is the undisputed No.1, and cup runs can be fleeting. But for one evening at least, Rulli gets the chance to wear the badge he has thought about for the best part of a decade.

Norwich City are the visitors to the Etihad, a side currently mid-table in the second tier and yet to keep a clean sheet all season. City, by contrast, have won every game since the campaign began, five straight victories stretching back to the 2-1 win over Bournemouth on opening day.

The team news is where this tie gets interesting. Geronimo Rulli, re-signed in the summer, is in line for his debut in goal. Abdukodir Khusanov should return to the starting XI, with Ruben Dias potentially partnering him at the back — Marc Guehi, so impressive in recent weeks, is due a rest.

At left back, Nico O'Reilly could make his return in that position, though Rayan Ait-Nouri is pushing for the spot. The Algerian may have to settle for a place on the bench.

Further forward, the absence of Erling Haaland opens the door for Antoine Semenyo to move from left-wing to striker, with a debut for Allan on the cards. Iliman Ndiaye, fresh from a superb cameo in the Manchester derby, is expected to start.

In midfield, Ayyoub Bouaddi should be joined by either Enzo Fernandez or Elliot Anderson. Maresca's latest press conference suggested that Ryan McAidoo, Floyd Samba and Kaden Braithwaite will feature, though all three are likely to be substitutes. Jeremy Doku could make an appearance, but it remains unclear whether he will be ready in time.

One player definitely missing is Phil Foden, suspended after his red card in the derby.

Norwich arrive with their own injury concerns and an inconsistent start to the 26/27 campaign. They have won three and drawn four of their Championship games, scoring 13 and conceding 13. A defence that leaks goals against a City side that has forgotten how to drop points does not bode well for the visitors.

Probable City XI: Rulli; Nunes, Dias, Khusanov, O'Reilly; Bouaddi, Anderson; Allan, Ndiaye, Cherki; Semenyo.

The timing is far from ideal for Foden, who had been finding his rhythm in the early weeks of the season. His absence opens the door for others, and with a Premier League fixture against Sunderland looming on Sunday, Enzo Maresca is expected to shuffle his pack heavily.

Maresca confirmed yesterday that Jeremy Doku is nearing a return from the calf problem he picked up against Arsenal in the FA Community Shield, though he stopped short of guaranteeing the winger any involvement tonight. It's a boost nonetheless, with Doku's directness a useful option off the bench if needed.

Norwich, managed by Philippe Clement, arrive as underdogs but with a reputation for attacking football. They'll fancy their chances of causing an upset, especially against a rotated City side.

With Sunday's league encounter against Sunderland in mind – the last before the international break – Maresca is unlikely to risk the likes of Erling Haaland, Ruben Dias, Marc Guehi, and Elliot Anderson, all of whom have shouldered heavy workloads already this term.

That means opportunities for the fringe players and academy graduates. Gerónimo Rulli is set to make his long-awaited City debut in goal, while Rico Lewis could slot in at right-back – his first start since the opening weekend win over Bournemouth.

In defence, Abdukodir Khusanov should return to the heart of the backline, with Vitor Reis alongside him. The young Brazilian needs minutes, and this is the perfect fixture to hand him a start. Nico O'Reilly is likely to deputise for Joško Gvardiol at left-back, with the Croatian rested. O'Reilly also needs game time after a minor injury kept him out recently.

In midfield, Ayoubb Bouaddi looks a certainty to start, while Mateo Kovacic's experience will be vital in guiding the younger players around him. Enzo Fernandez, a player Maresca clearly rates highly, is expected to feature for around an hour.

Further forward, Ryan McAidoo has impressed in brief cameos this season and looks destined to start. Rayan Ait-Nouri should get a run-out on the left wing as he builds up his fitness. Up front, Iliman Ndiaye gets the nod, though Antoine Semenyo is pushing hard for a start.

It's a much-changed XI, but one that should still have too much for Norwich. The Carabao Cup has been a happy hunting ground for City in recent years, and Maresca will be keen to avoid an early exit.

Predicted City XI: Rulli; Lewis, Khusanov, Reis, O'Reilly; Bouaddi, Kovacic, Fernandez; McAidoo, Ait-Nouri; Ndiaye.

Manchester City welcome Norwich City to the Etihad Stadium on Thursday for a Carabao Cup tie, with kick-off at 19:30 BST. The match offers Enzo Maresca's side the chance to build on Sunday's derby victory.

City go into the game having won 1-0 away to United on Sunday, a result that has lifted confidence around the club. Norwich, meanwhile, lost 4-3 away on Saturday, leaving them short of momentum ahead of the trip to Manchester.

For supporters planning to watch, Sky Sports+ will carry the tie. No other channel or streaming platform has been formally confirmed at the time of writing.

The 19:30 BST kick-off converts to local time as follows: [table omitted].

Thursday's tie gives City the opportunity to progress further in the Carabao Cup and continue their positive start under Maresca.

Published 17 Sept 2026, 07:18. © 2026 Read Man City. All rights reserved. D.Sport Media Limited (16968322) — 55 Rectory Grove, Leigh-On-Sea, Essex, England, SS9 2HA. In partnership with Sn ck Media Ltd (6120966).

Norwich arrive at the Etihad under Philippe Clement. The Canaries have lost their last three meetings with City, conceding fourteen goals without reply. A similar outcome is forecast again.

If the tie follows the script, City will face Brighton in the next round on Wednesday 28 October. That scheduling is forced by the Seagulls' trip to Anfield the Sunday before, and by the two clubs meeting each other on Halloween. It could have been a Manchester derby — had Fabian Hürzeler's Brighton not recovered from 2-0 down to win at Old Trafford on Wednesday. That was the first time Manchester United have surrendered a two-goal lead at home and lost in fifty years.

City's recent record in this competition is a useful reminder of the standards set. Back in March, Nico O'Reilly scored twice as City beat Arsenal 2-0 in the EFL Cup final at Wembley. It was the club's ninth triumph in the competition, one behind Liverpool's record, and a fifth under Pep Guardiola. Now, with Maresca in charge, City are among the favourites to reach the Wembley showpiece once more.

For those wanting to watch, Thursday's kick-off at the Etihad is at the slightly earlier time of 7:30pm BST. In the UK and Ireland, the match is live on Sky Sports+, available via SkyQ or Sky Glass on the red button, or online through SkyGO and NOW TV. In the United States, CBS hold the EFL Cup rights and the tie can be found on Paramount+. That makes it a 2:30pm start on the east coast and 11:30am Pacific Time.

City have won their last three meetings with the Canaries, scoring 14 unanswered goals.

Norwich's task is clear enough. City's is to avoid the sort of slip that turns a routine cup night into a story. The five-match winning run suggests they are in the mood to keep it routine.

The most recent of those came in March, when Arsenal were beaten 2-0 at Wembley. Nico O'Reilly scored twice that day, a performance that already feels like a milestone in the young midfielder's development.

Victory over Norwich would set up a fourth-round tie at home to Brighton, following Wednesday night's draw. That fixture would be played on Wednesday 28 October, one of the dates reserved for the last 16 — 27, 28 and 29 October.

Brighton's presence in the draw was secured by a stirring comeback at Old Trafford on Wednesday, Fabian Hürzeler's team recovering from two goals down to win. It was the kind of result that catches the eye, not least because it came at the ground of a club still searching for a coherent post-Ferguson identity.

Should the Seagulls visit the Etihad, they will do so with a curious hold over City in recent meetings. The Blues have not won any of their last four encounters with Brighton. Guardiola's final two visits to Sussex ended in 2-1 defeats, while the two most recent meetings in Manchester finished level.

This would be the first League Cup clash between the clubs since 2008. Mark Hughes's side drew 2-2 at the Withdean that night, with Gelson Fernandes and Stephen Ireland on target, before losing on penalties. Michael Ball was the only man to miss from 12 yards.

For those wishing to follow the action, all 92 Carabao Cup ties are broadcast live in the UK and Ireland by Sky Sports, with ITV showing at least one match per round free-to-air. In the United States, CBS Sports hold the rights, with selected games on their primary channel and the rest on Paramount+.

City's 1-0 win over Manchester United came through Erling Haaland's second-half goal, scored while the visitors were down to ten men after Phil Foden's dismissal. The goal was flagged offside, then allowed to stand after review. Haaland was onside. The problem was Enzo Fernandez, who had tried to play the ball from an offside position and should have been penalised for interfering with play.

Howard Webb, the chief refereeing officer, later described the VAR team's review as tunnel vision. United were contacted once the mistake was acknowledged.

Maresca, though, was already somewhere else entirely. He went straight back to January 2023, and a 2-1 defeat at the same ground. Bruno Fernandes equalised that night while the offside Marcus Rashford ran towards the ball before Fernandes scored. That one stood too.

Sometimes it goes for you, sometimes against you. Three years ago, when I was here, it happened exactly the same against Man United; we lost the derby there. The goal was not a regular goal, if you remember? And to be honest, no one apologised. We are still waiting for the apology for that goal. Sometimes it happens for you, sometimes against you. It's football.

The point was clear enough. City have not forgotten, even if the manager has moved on.

A win, and a receipt

There is something oddly satisfying about a manager keeping the receipts. Webb's admission and the contact with United are procedural matters, the sort of thing that disappears into a filing cabinet by Tuesday. Maresca's reference to 2023 will linger rather longer. It is not bitterness. It is just a note in the margin.

City benefited from the mistake on Sunday. The manager made sure everyone remembered the one that went the other way. Fair enough.

The Etihad Stadium hosts the Canaries in the third round, a fixture that arrives three days before Sunderland visit in the final Premier League outing prior to the extended international break. Rotation is inevitable. Opportunity, for some, is overdue.

Bouaddi and Allan wait in the wings

Ayyoub Bouaddi, a Moroccan international, has yet to start a game in English football. That is not a slight on the midfielder so much as a reflection of the queue ahead of him. Thursday offers a way in.

Allan is in a similar position, only more so. The Brazilian winger has not featured at all for City. Not a minute, not a cameo. If Maresca is looking for a low-risk occasion to blood him, a home cup tie against Championship opposition fits the bill.

Gerónimo Rulli is expected to make his first start for the club. The goalkeeper has waited his turn, and the Carabao Cup has long been the competition where understudies get their hands dirty.

Norwich arrive with a threat

Norwich sit 14th in the Championship, which ordinarily would suggest a straightforward evening. Philippe Clement, however, tends to set his side up in a 4-2-3-1, and the visitors carry a striker who has found some rhythm.

Mo Touré, an Australian forward, has scored four goals in six matches this season. He will look to get in behind the City defence at every opportunity. Pacey, direct, and unbothered by reputations. The kind of player who can make a rotated backline look silly if the focus isn't there.

Clement's Norwich won't be a pushover. That much is clear from the fact they sit mid-table rather than bottom, and from the presence of a striker in form. City's fringe players have a chance to impress, but they also have a job to do.

For Maresca, the balance is familiar. Win the tie, avoid injuries, and get minutes into legs that need them. The bigger test comes Sunday against Sunderland, but Thursday is where the squad depth gets its first real examination of the season.

He was introduced from the substitutes' bench in City's opening UEFA Champions League league phase fixture against FC Porto. Within minutes he had laid on an assist for Erling Haaland's second goal of the night at the Estádio do Dragão. City won 2-0, and Ait-Nouri's contribution from the left wing was a reminder of what he can offer going forward.

Yet when City travelled to Old Trafford last Sunday and beat Manchester United 1-0, Ait-Nouri was not in the matchday squad at all. One promising cameo, then nothing. The contrast is hard to ignore.

Enzo Maresca's view of the player goes some way to explaining the situation. Speaking ahead of the derby, in quotes relayed by Hayters TV, the City manager framed Ait-Nouri not as a defender but as an attacker.

"When he was at Wolves, I know he was playing back five, so it was more wing-back than full-back. In this moment, I see him more winger than full-back. But that means that in the future, if we need him as a full-back, we are not going to use him? Probably yes (we will use him there), but in this moment, yeah, he's more a winger."

Maresca added that Ait-Nouri's technical quality and one-v-one ability make him well suited to an attacking role. "I think technically he's very good, also in one-v-one he's good," he said. "In terms of passes, the other day he made good assists for Erling."

So the manager rates him. The problem is where to put him.

At left-back, Nico O'Reilly and Joško Gvardiol are firmly established. When Gvardiol was unavailable for the Porto match, Maresca turned to Abdukodir Khusanov to fill in rather than Ait-Nouri. That tells its own story.

Further forward, the left wing is just as congested. When everyone is fit, Jérémy Doku and Antoine Semenyo are the first options there. On the right, Semenyo, Phil Foden, Iliman Ndiaye and Rayan Cherki can all operate. Ait-Nouri's route into the starting XI is not obvious.

What he offers is not in question. He is technically gifted, excels with the ball at his feet, and his passing range is exceptional. But so far this season he has been on the periphery of the City squad, and the Porto cameo remains his only outing.

City's next match is their third round Carabao Cup tie against Norwich City. If Ait-Nouri starts and impresses, more minutes may follow. For now, he waits.

Bayern Munich have been linked with Rayan Cherki, but any move will have to wait. Christian Falk has said he asked Max Eberl about the Bundesliga club's interest in the Manchester City playmaker, and the response was emphatic: there is no plan to bring Cherki in during the winter window.

That will come as little surprise to anyone who has watched Bayern operate. As Falk noted, the German giants don't tend to do big deals like Cherki, who would be really expensive in January, unless something disastrous has happened — like a serious injury.

Why Bayern Are Reluctant to Spend Big

Bayern's reluctance to splash out mid-season is understandable given the talent already at their disposal. Jamal Musiala and Michael Olise are two of the most talented players in world football, and both have become superstars in the Bundesliga and key figures on the international stage. With that kind of quality in the squad, there is no urgent need to spend big on another attacker.

For City, the interest from Bayern is a compliment to Cherki's rapid development. The 23-year-old signed for £34million in the summer of 2025 and has already contributed 13 goals and 19 assists in his first 62 appearances for the club. Those numbers have inevitably drawn attention from Europe's elite.

The Only Reason City Should Consider a Sale

So when should City even entertain the idea of selling? Only if Bayern make an offer that is simply too good to refuse. Given their reluctance to do big deals in January, that seems unlikely. And with Cherki's form and potential, City have little reason to cash in now.

After all, the club has been here before. Kevin de Bruyne joined in the summer of 2015 and went on to become a legend. Cherki is doing his best to match that trajectory. Selling him now would be premature.

For the time being, Bayern's interest is just that — interest. No bid, no plan, no winter move. City fans can rest easy. Unless Bayern suddenly change their approach, Cherki stays where he belongs.

Old Trafford has seen its share of dramatic afternoons, but Sunday's 1-0 win for Manchester City was less about flair and more about resilience. With ten men for a significant portion of the game, City dug deep to secure all three points against their rivals. While the headlines might focus on the goal or the red card, the performance of one player in particular stood out: Matheus Nunes.

Nunes, operating at right-back, delivered a display that underlined his growing importance to Enzo Maresca's side. The Portuguese international was a wall on the flank, making two interceptions, two blocks, and winning four ground duels. He also contributed five clearances and eight recoveries, constantly mopping up danger and turning defence into attack.

But it wasn't just his defensive work that caught the eye. Nunes completed 34 passes with a remarkable 92% completion rate, and his 14 line-breaking balls helped City transition from back to front with purpose. His 10.4 kilometres covered showed a relentless work rate, always offering an option and tracking back when needed.

Signed from Wolverhampton Wanderers as a midfielder, Nunes has been transformed into a right-back by Pep Guardiola. That tactical shift now looks like a masterstroke, especially in games like this where City needed grit as much as guile. Maresca has clearly benefited from the versatility and commitment Nunes brings.

On the other side, Marcus Rashford started brightly for United on the left wing, but as the game wore on, his influence waned, largely thanks to Nunes's disciplined defensive display. It was a microcosm of the derby: United's early promise fading against City's stubborn resistance.

In a match where every City player went above and beyond, Nunes was the quiet achiever, the sort of performance that doesn't always grab headlines but is crucial to grinding out results. And on this evidence, his journey from midfielder to full-back is one that could define City's season.

Elliot Anderson and Enzo Fernandez are not Rodri and Bernardo Silva. Nobody at the Etihad expected them to be. But in Sunday's 1-0 win over Manchester United, the pair offered the first real glimpse of how Enzo Maresca's City will cope without the two players who once held everything together.

The numbers will tell you Phil Foden was sent off in the 23rd minute. The eyes will tell you City, with ten men, still found a way through a derby at Old Trafford. Anderson did the work of two midfielders. Fernandez was pivotal to City's attacking threat with the man advantage gone. That is the story of the afternoon, and it is a good one for a side learning to live without its old certainties.

What the security blankets used to provide

Pep Guardiola had the luxury of turning to Bernardo Silva and Rodri whenever a match threatened to slip. Bernardo could play anywhere, and his understanding of Guardiola's system made him crucial to the success City enjoyed. Rodri, at his best, was the first name on the team sheet. City's most important player during his time at the club.

Both left in the summer, alongside Guardiola. Rodri always seemed set to return to Spain. Bernardo was gone before Maresca took charge. The new manager never had the chance to work with either of them, which is worth remembering when the inevitable comparisons surface.

A rebuild, not a replacement

City were never going to find like-for-like replacements. Instead, they spent well over £300 million on Elliot Anderson, Ayyoub Bouaddi and Enzo Fernandez. The sales of Tijjani Reijnders and Nico Gonzalez helped facilitate the rebuild, and the early signs are that the new midfield has its own identity rather than a diluted version of the old one.

The sample size is small. Maresca is still finding solutions to problems that arise during matches, which is a different job to the one Guardiola did with his trusted lieutenants always available. But the derby offered evidence that the solutions exist.

The wider lift

Erling Haaland, Ruben Dias, Marc Guehi, Gianluigi Donnarumma and every teammate in blue lifted when it mattered. They had to. A famous derby victory was the reward, and for a squad navigating a new era, that kind of afternoon does more for confidence than any amount of pre-season talk.

Anderson covered every blade of grass at Old Trafford. Fernandez made City dangerous when the game should have turned against them. The old security blankets are gone. New ones are being stitched together, one match at a time.

Manchester City start their Carabao Cup defence on Thursday evening, with Norwich City the visitors to the Etihad. It is a third-round tie that, on paper at least, looks about as straightforward as they come. Kick-off is 7.30pm BST on September 17.

Enzo Maresca is expected to shuffle his pack. With one of the strongest squads in the Premier League at his disposal, the City boss can afford to make wholesale changes and still field a side capable of brushing aside Championship opposition. Norwich sit 12th in the second tier after seven games, having seen off MK Dons and Cardiff City to reach this stage.

Phil Foden, however, will not be involved. His red card for violent conduct in the 1-0 win over Manchester United means he begins a three-match ban. That opens the door for Allan to make his first appearance for the club, while fellow summer signing Geronimo Rulli is also in line for a debut.

Nico O'Reilly could start at left-back, having made a late substitute appearance at Old Trafford after recovering from a back injury. Josko Gvardiol would be the man to make way. Rico Lewis, Vitor Reis, Abdukodir Khusanov, Ayyoub Bouaddi, Mateo Kovacic and Iliman Ndiaye are all candidates to come into the starting line-up.

Jeremy Doku remains sidelined with the calf problem he picked up in the Community Shield. The winger is targeting a return after the international break. Erling Haaland is the only recognised centre-forward in the squad, though Antoine Semenyo can play through the middle if Maresca decides to rest his top scorer.

Norwich have injury concerns of their own. Jovon Makama has had his troubles with foot injuries but is pushing for a first start since February after scoring off the bench against Middlesbrough last weekend. Mathias Kvistgaarden and Papa Amadou Diallo were both omitted from the matchday squad at the Riverside but should return here. Left-back Lucien Mahovo is yet to feature this season because of an ankle ligament issue and will not train again until the international break. Mirko Topic is still working his way back from the ACL injury he sustained last November, while Ali Ahmed suffered a similar problem in pre-season and faces a lengthy absence. Gabriel Forsyth played 60 minutes for the Under-21s last week after 21 months out with a knee injury, but he is not ready for first-team football yet.

City go into the tie on a five-game winning run. They have also won their last three meetings with Norwich by an aggregate score of 14-0, including back-to-back 5-0 wins at the Etihad. The bookmakers are not expecting an upset. City are as short as 3/19 to win in 90 minutes, with Norwich at 17/1 and the draw at 17/2. In the To Qualify market, which brings penalties into play, City are 1/14 and Norwich 11/1. For the outright trophy, City are 11/2 third favourites behind Arsenal and Chelsea.

For those inclined to have a flutter, City -2 on the handicap is 3/5, a win to nil is 21/20 and winning both halves is 1/1. Semenyo, who registered four goals and two assists in eight domestic cup appearances for City last season after his move from Bournemouth, is 11/10 to score anytime and 5/1 to open the scoring. Ndiaye, impressive off the bench at Old Trafford, is 7/5 to get his first goal for the club.

Maresca may rest key players, but the gap in quality should still be too wide.

Manchester City are one of several clubs monitoring the situation of Manchester United winger JJ Gabriel, according to reports.

The 15-year-old is seeking to have his contract with United terminated so he can become a free agent. He has handed in a letter of de-registration, though he has not signed a professional contract. All parties must agree to the termination before it can go through, and United still have the final say on his future.

Journalist Laurie Whitwell, writing for The Athletic, claims City would likely be among his suitors should he become available.

Previous chance to sign

Whitwell also reports that Gabriel had the opportunity to sign for City last summer. He opted to remain at Old Trafford instead, after being given certain guarantees about first-team football.

Those guarantees have not materialised. Manager Michael Carrick barely played him in pre-season and omitted him from matchday squads at the beginning of this campaign. That lack of involvement played a part in the player wanting to leave.

Gabriel was set to be included in the squad for the Carabao Cup game against Brighton, but that is now unlikely to happen following this turn of events.

Competition for signature

Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich are also said to be hopeful of securing Gabriel's signature. The teenager is seen as one of the best players in his age group.

United believe they can still change his mind and offer more assurances about his future. For now, the stand-off continues.

A Man Down, A Midfield Leader Up

City played for more than an hour with 10 men following Phil Foden's first-half red card. Foden was sent off midway through the first half, leaving his teammates to dig in against their rivals. They did more than that. Erling Haaland scored the winner, and City emerged with a memorable 1-0 victory.

At the heart of that resilience was Fernandez. According to analysis from the Guardian, he covered more than 10.25km during the derby. That figure alone stands out, but it's the sprints that catch the eye. Fernandez made twice as many sprints as any other midfielder on the pitch.

Duels and Interceptions

No City player won more duels than Fernandez. No City player made more interceptions. In a game where City had to defend for long periods, his contribution was immense. It was a performance that offered an early demonstration of exactly why Enzo Maresca wanted him.

Maresca pushed hard to add Fernandez to his midfield during the summer. The two had time together at Chelsea, and that familiarity seems to have paid off. Fernandez is a £125m footballer, and with that price tag comes expectation. On this evidence, he's handling it just fine.

But the noise from Spain isn't going away. According to a report from TEAMtalk, both Barcelona and Real Madrid are working on the belief that Haaland might fancy a move to La Liga in 2027. Their transfer correspondent, Graeme Bailey, says the two clubs are looking at that summer as a potentially significant one.

It's not the first time this has come up. TEAMtalk were reporting back in November 2025 that 2027 was being viewed as a possible point where the striker might consider a new challenge. The link to Spain's big two has been a recurring theme for years now.

What's interesting this time is the suggestion that there's a different understanding of the contract situation. Sources close to Barcelona and Real Madrid apparently believe there are mechanisms within the agreement that could eventually allow a departure. That's a direct contradiction of what City have always said.

When speculation flared up again in June, the club were emphatic. No chance of him leaving, and no clause in the contract that would let it happen. Sky Sports reported at the time of the original deal that it contained no release clauses. City have given no indication since that their position has shifted.

And what a deal it was. Haaland signed a nine-and-a-half-year agreement in January 2025, tying him to the club until the summer of 2034. He's still got eight years left on that contract. It was one of the most significant commitments a player has ever made to a Premier League club.

None of this should be a surprise. Haaland is central to Enzo Maresca's plans. He's the focal point of the team, the man everything is built around. The idea of City entertaining any kind of exit – even one three years down the line – seems far-fetched.

But that won't stop the stories. Real Madrid and Barcelona have been linked with him repeatedly, and they're not going to stop just because there's a long contract in place. If anything, the length of the deal makes the speculation more persistent. It gives them something to chip away at.

The key point here is that there's no suggestion Haaland has asked for a transfer. No indication he's unhappy. No hint that City are even considering the possibility. It's a story built on the belief of two clubs who would love to sign him, not on anything concrete.

For City fans, it's a familiar pattern. Every few months, a report emerges linking one of the squad's best players with a move to Spain. Most of the time, nothing comes of it. This one might be no different.

But 2027 is a while away yet. Plenty can change in football. The only thing that's certain right now is that Haaland is a City player, and on the evidence of everything the club has said and done, he's going to remain one for the foreseeable future.

Foden Out After Derby Red

Phil Foden will watch from the stands after his red card in the Manchester derby, a dismissal that rules him out of this cup clash. The midfielder's absence leaves a creative void, though City's squad depth has handled worse.

Doku Doubtful Until Weekend

Jeremy Doku remains a doubt with a lower leg problem. The winger is expected to miss out until at least the weekend, unless Enzo Maresca's latest update has shifted the timeline. City's medical staff will assess him closer to kick-off.

Norwich's Rollercoaster Start

Norwich arrive at the Etihad on the back of a 4-3 defeat to Middlesbrough, a result that halted their back-to-back wins. The Canaries sit 12th in the Championship with nine points from seven games — a middling return that suggests they'll relish the underdog tag.

City's Injury List: Mahovo, Topic, Ahmed

City's treatment room remains busy. Mahovo is closing in on a return but remains unavailable for now. Topic is targeting a comeback after the international break, having been out since suffering an ACL rupture last year. Ahmed, meanwhile, is done for the season after rupturing his ACL shortly after the campaign began. Three absences, three different timelines — the medical staff's workload shows no sign of easing.

For City, the priority is simple: navigate a potential banana skin without adding to the casualty list. For Norwich, a trip to the Etihad offers a free hit and a chance to test themselves against elite opposition. Kick-off on Thursday.

Erling Haaland scored the only goal in the 60th minute, slotting home a Josko Gvardiol cross at the back post. The linesman's flag went up immediately, ruling the goal out for offside. A lengthy VAR check followed, and as it dragged on, it became clear the decision would be overturned.

Haaland was onside when Gvardiol played the ball across United's six-yard box. The more contentious element was Enzo Fernandez, who was offside and influencing play when he attempted to head home the same cross before Haaland scored. VAR ruled that Fernandez wasn't influencing play, and the goal stood. City took a 1-0 lead they would hold onto.

Ref Pro's Admission and the 2023 Parallel

Following the match, the refereeing body Ref Pro admitted an error was made when Haaland's goal was awarded by VAR. They subsequently apologised to Manchester United. For City fans, the admission changes little. The record books will forever show a 1-0 win at Old Trafford.

The decision was reminiscent of a famous non-call City suffered in 2023, when Manchester United came from behind to win 2-1 at Old Trafford in January of that year. Bruno Fernandes scored the equaliser that day, but the build-up was the controversy. Marcus Rashford was played through by Casemiro, was clearly offside, and instead of touching the ball, shielded it for a significant distance into the City area before Fernandes lashed it home to make it 1-1. VAR awarded the goal after deeming Rashford had not touched the ball, even though he had clearly influenced the play.

That decision took three years to be balanced out. City have copped two high-profile VAR howlers at Old Trafford in recent times, and while yesterday's call was incorrect, that isn't City's issue to rectify.

Context and Consequences

The lack of outrage at the Rashford decision in 2023, or at the absence of VAR intervention when Diego Dalot hit Jeremy Doku with a high foot at Old Trafford last season during the 2025-26 campaign, has not been forgotten. Yesterday's win, with Foden's red card and the manner of Haaland's goal, made it that bit more special for City.

Ref Pro's apology will satisfy United and their supporters, but it won't change the result. City leave Old Trafford with three points and a derby win that will be remembered for the goal that shouldn't have stood — and the three years it took for one to go their way.

That much was clear long before Sunday, but the 199th Manchester derby offered the most compelling evidence yet. City arrived at Old Trafford with Enzo Maresca still shaping his side, and departed with three points, a 1-0 win, and a performance from their number nine that felt like a statement of intent.

For 45 minutes, though, it looked like Haaland might be reduced to a bystander. The game's early rhythm didn't suit him. He was subdued, unable to impose himself on a contest that was about to tilt sharply against his team.

Phil Foden's 23rd-minute dismissal changed everything. City were down to ten men, and the afternoon threatened to turn into a damage-limitation exercise. What followed was anything but.

Haaland lifted. It is one thing to lead the line when your side is dominant, quite another when you are a man short and the crowd is baying. Alongside Antoine Semenyo and Iliman Ndiaye, he became City's out ball — the target for long, hopeful clearances whenever the visitors were forced deep. His hold-up play was superb, the kind of controlled, physical centre-forward work that buys a team precious seconds and turns defence into attack.

The link-up was just as important. Haaland brought Enzo Fernandez, Ndiaye and Semenyo into the game, knitting together moves when City had no right to keep the ball. It was the performance of a striker who understands that leading from the front isn't only about goals.

Then, on the hour, the reward. Josko Gvardiol's cross found him at the back post, and Haaland ghosted in to beat Senne Lammens with a finish of real quality. A smart goal, and a fitting one for a second-half display that had dragged his team over the line.

The emotion at full time told its own story. Haaland crouched and struck the floor in elation. He revved up the travelling City support, and his teammates celebrated long and hard with them. It was clear how much this one meant.

Maresca's side is still in its early development, but this felt like a significant moment. Haaland, alongside Ruben Dias, Marc Guehi and Gianluigi Donnarumma, led from the front. In a new-look City, he is the figurehead — and the responsibility sits comfortably with him.

In a way, this is now his team. On this evidence, he is ready for it.