Huddersfield vs Manchester City: Foden, Savinho shine as Pep's men scale EFL Cup test

Former Premier League Player of the Year Phil Foden was on target for Manchester City as they earned a ticket for the next round of the EFL Cup after defeating Huddersfield away from home.

In addition to his goal, Foden also provided an assist for Savinho's late strike that sealed a comfortable victory for the travelling Manchestre City side.

Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City are enduring a relentless spell of six fixtures in just 18 days across three competitions, yet it was the brilliance of Phil Foden that once again carried them forward. 

The England international struck first after only 18 minutes, linking beautifully with teenage debutant Divine Mukasa in a sharp one-two before drilling a precise finish low into the corner.

Foden dictated the tempo throughout the evening. His range of passing repeatedly carved open spaces, and he nearly added to his tally with a curling 25-yard free-kick that only narrowly cleared the bar. 

The hosts had their moments, with Zepiqueno Redmond firing over and captain Ben Wiles dragging wide, but City’s control always seemed assured.

After the break, Guardiola’s men continued to probe patiently until the decisive second arrived. Foden threaded a clever ball into the path of Savinho, who rifled his strike in off the underside of the crossbar to all but settle the contest.

Huddersfield came agonisingly close to a consolation when Cameron Ashia’s curling effort struck the inside of the post, but James Trafford, restored in goal, preserved his clean sheet. The holders will now travel to face Swansea City in the fourth round.