Huddersfield Town vs Manchester City

Huddersfield Town hosted Manchester City at the John Smith’s Stadium in the Carabao Cup third round, hoping to upset a top-tier opponent. Pep Guardiola made nine changes to his starting lineup following a midweek league draw, giving fringe players and youngsters valuable game time. Despite the rotation, City dominated from the outset, controlling possession and dictating the tempo, while Huddersfield relied on a compact defensive structure and counter-attacks to create any openings.

The first breakthrough came in the 18th minute when Phil Foden, operating in a free role as a deep-lying centre-forward, combined with teenage forward Divine Mukasa before curling a precise shot into the bottom corner. The goal showcased Foden’s creativity and technical ability, and set the tone for City’s dominance. Huddersfield struggled to respond, finding it difficult to break City’s high press and fluid movement across midfield and attack.

Huddersfield’s best chance came later in the half when Cameron Ashia struck a powerful effort from outside the box, only to see it rebound off the post. Despite this, the home side failed to register a shot on target for the remainder of the half. Manchester City’s defensive organization remained tight, limiting any sustained pressure from the League One side and forcing Huddersfield to settle for sporadic counters rather than sustained attacks.

City doubled their advantage in the 74th minute through Savinho, who finished clinically into the top corner following a smart pass from Foden. The goal highlighted Manchester City’s depth and the ability of their rotated squad to perform at a high level, with both experienced and younger players contributing decisively. Huddersfield, meanwhile, could only watch as City controlled the closing stages, frustrated by their inability to convert limited opportunities into goals.

The match ended 2-0, sending Manchester City through to the Carabao Cup fourth round. For City, it was a professional performance that reinforced squad depth and tactical flexibility. Huddersfield, although eliminated, gained valuable experience facing elite opposition and will aim to take lessons from the game into their league campaign, particularly regarding defensive concentration and finishing in transition.

Watch and Download Huddersfield Town vs Manchester City full match replay and highlights, At Wednesday, September 24, 2025. The match played at Accu Stadium, in EFL Cup, England.

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