Maresca hails progress as Manchester City thump Norwich for 6th straight victory
By Luke Oluoch, September 18, 2026Manchester City coach Enzo Maresca has shifted the club’s attention to their next clash after the former EPL side became the latest and final team to secure a berth in the Carabao Cup fourth-round fixtures.
The Citizens routed Norwich City 5-0 in the final tie of the round to join bigwigs Arsenal, Liverpool, and Chelsea among the teams progressing to the next stage.
Speaking after the win, the Italian was pleased with the resounding victory but opted not to dwell on the success, instead moving the team’s focus to their upcoming league clash against Sunderland.
City will be back at the Etihad on Sunday, September 20, to face the Black Cats following their weekend Manchester Derby success against Manchester United. The clash will be the final game before the first international break.
“I am absolutely very pleased that we have now won six games in a row. But my main focus is now on the next one. I will not say that I am not happy we won—I prefer it more than not—but our focus is now on the next game before the international break,” he stated.
“I am not thinking more than one week ahead; a lot of things can change. When I started the season, I had been thinking game after game. Tonight, we are happy, and we can now think about our next game.”
Debutants impress
City’s cruise was filled with thrilling performances, especially from young debutants. A professional debut brace for 17-year-old talent Floyd Samba—son of former QPR and City star Chris Samba—set the team on course, with Elias Allan and McAiddo also finding the back of the net.
Maresca on City’s progress
Rayan Cherki added to the scoreline in the five-goal romp, a performance that left the coach chuffed with the team’s progress.
“I have said since day one I am happy with how we are working. The players have been serious and professional, and I am happy with the performance.”
The win saw City set up a clash against Brighton & Hove Albion in the fourth round. The encounter will be among the high-billed all-Premier League ties, alongside Liverpool facing Chelsea in the next stage as the competition race for the final eight heats up.
Carabao Round Four ties
The headline fixture of the round brings a massive Premier League heavyweight clash as Liverpool face off against Chelsea, adding another high-stakes chapter to their storied rivalry.
Meanwhile, League Two giant-killers Fleetwood Town earned a historic home tie against Premier League side Arsenal after securing an impressive win over Sheffield United.
Other standout ties include a heavyweight meeting between Everton and Newcastle United, alongside all-Premier League showdowns featuring Fulham vs. Crystal Palace and Bournemouth vs. Aston Villa.
Sunderland will take on Brentford, while lower-league representation is locked in as Bradford City prepares to battle Peterborough.