Rabat – Moroccan international Ayyoub Bouaddi provided an assist as Manchester City secured a 5-0 victory over Norwich City on Thursday, advancing to the fourth round of the English League Cup.
The midfielder started at the Etihad Stadium and played the full 90 minutes, contributing to an emphatic win for Enzo Maresca’s side.
Bouaddi delivered the assist for City’s second goal in the 32nd minute, sending a precise pass through Norwich’s defense to release Rayan Cherki, who finished with a low shot past goalkeeper Daniel Grimshaw.
The goal came just three minutes after 17-year-old Floyd Samba opened the scoring with a header on his senior debut.
Samba had benefited from a delivery by Brazilian winger Allan, who was also making his first appearance for City.
The home side entered halftime with a comfortable two-goal advantage before extending its lead shortly after the restart.
Allan scored the third goal in the 48th minute, cutting inside from the left before sending a low effort into the net.
Samba then completed his brace in the 54th minute, receiving a pass from fellow Moroccan international Rayan Aït-Nouri and curling the ball into the corner.
Substitute Ryan McAidoo completed the scoring in stoppage time, sealing City’s five-goal victory.
Bouaddi contributes to City’s cup progress
Bouaddi was among several players introduced into the starting lineup as Maresca made 10 changes from the team that defeated Manchester United 1-0 in the Premier League on Sunday.
The Moroccan midfielder partnered Mateo Kovačić in midfield, while Aït-Nouri also started.
His assist demonstrated his ability to contribute offensively, providing the decisive pass that allowed Cherki to double City’s lead early in the contest.
The victory also marked a successful evening for City’s younger players, with Samba scoring twice on his debut and McAidoo finding the net after coming on as a substitute.
Manchester City will now face Brighton & Hove Albion at the Etihad Stadium in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup.
The tie is scheduled for the week beginning October 26, with the exact date and kickoff time yet to be confirmed.
