---
title: "Man City player ratings v Norwich: Floyd Samba steals the show on debut"
canonical: "https://readmancity.com/2026/09/17/man-city-player-ratings-norwich-floyd-samba/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Gary Gowers"
section: "Player Ratings"
published: "2026-09-17T20:48:40Z"
modified: "2026-09-22T18:53:32Z"
---

# Man City player ratings v Norwich: Floyd Samba steals the show on debut

**Floyd Samba marked his senior debut with two goals as** [**Man City**](https://readmancity.com/) **cruised into the fourth round of the Carabao Cup with a 5-0 win over Norwich City.**

Allan also enjoyed a productive first appearance with a goal and an assist, while Rayan Cherki and substitute Ryan McAidoo completed the scoring. City had 66% possession and 14 attempts to Norwich’s four, with the visitors failing to register a shot on target.

## Man City player ratings

**Geronimo Rulli – 6.5**

Had very little to do on his debut, although he reacted sharply to clear after a loose Khusanov backpass late on. Norwich did not manage a shot on target.

**Rico Lewis – 7**

Comfortable at right-back and increasingly able to push forward as the game opened up. His clever dummy allowed O’Reilly’s cross to run through for McAidoo to score the fifth.

**Abdukodir Khusanov – 6.5**

Generally comfortable alongside Reis, although a poor late backpass almost presented Norwich with a consolation. Completed 112 of his 118 passes.

**Vitor Reis – 7.5**

Barely put a foot wrong. Completed a remarkable 147 of 149 passes and added two clearances and seven recoveries in a composed display.

**Nico O’Reilly – 7.5**

Another assured performance at left-back. Played a part in the opening goal and supplied the cross for McAidoo’s late finish.

**Ayyoub Bouaddi – 8**

A mature display at the base of City’s midfield. Broke up play, kept the ball moving and produced the pass that sent Cherki through for the second.

**Mateo Kovacic – 7.5**

Captained the side and provided the experience alongside Bouaddi. Completed 88 of his 94 passes and helped City take control after Norwich’s promising opening.

**Allan – 8**

Had a difficult opening against Jean-Kevin Duverne Yongwa but grew into the game impressively. Crossed for Samba’s opener before cutting inside and finishing across Daniel Grimshaw for his first City goal.

**Rayan Cherki – 8**

Only needed 45 minutes to make his contribution. Finished calmly after Bouaddi sent him clear, completed three successful dribbles and was withdrawn at half-time with the job well on its way to being done.

**Rayan Ait-Nouri – 8.5**

Used in an advanced role and became increasingly influential. Finished with two assists and three key passes, including winning possession and finding Samba for the teenager’s excellent second goal.

**Floyd Samba – 9**

Some way to introduce yourself. Opened the scoring with a clever header, showed his pace and movement throughout and then curled home a fine second from 20 yards. Two goals at 17 on his senior debut. **Man of the match.**

### Substitutes

**Ryan McAidoo – 7.5**

Replaced Cherki at half-time and caused Norwich problems with his pace before getting his reward in the 90th minute, arriving at the back post to make it 5-0.

**Kaden Braithwaite – 6.5**

On for Allan for the final 20 minutes with the game already won. Slotted in comfortably as City saw out the closing stages.

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