1 Dazzling Diaz
Brahim Diaz deserves plenty of plaudits for his performance against Oxford.
The young attacking midfielder was making only his second senior start for the Blues, but just as he has whenever he has played before, Diaz was excellent.
READ: Oxford 0-3 City: Match report
He was inventive, always on the front foot and looking to attack and create whenever he was in possession.
Diaz was more than a shade unlucky not to score his first senior goal for the Blues, but he did provide an assist for Gabriel Jesus’ opener.
His evening ended early with the youngster protected after taking a knock – but his manager will have been delighted by what he saw from this exciting talent.
2 Bernabe spearheads next wave
Adrian Bernabe had around 10 minutes to impress Pep Guardiola.
The 17-year-old provided further evidence of the excellent scouting system the Blues have in Europe and the knack of helping raw talent blossom.
Bernabe has had a taste of senior football now and will be thirsty for more – but he knows he has to learn his trade and continue to work hard for the EDS as Messrs Diaz and Phil Foden are also in the queue to play.
But what a collection of midfield playmakers City are nurturing for the future and the Carabao Cup will continue to be their window of opportunity that could lead to more senior action in the months ahead.
3 Muric looks Ederson-educated
Aro Muric didn’t have much to do on his debut, but what he did do, he did well.
Very calm on the ball, commanding when crosses came in and good distribution – sound familiar?
There was one nervy moment as he came for a long throw-in and missed the punch, but the danger was quickly cleared.
Clearly working with one of the best goalkeepers in the world in training is bringing the youngster’s game on leaps and bounds.
4 Zinchenko masterclass
It’s no wonder Pep Guardiola gives the Carabao Cup the respect he does.
The competition gives him the chance to play players who don’t have many opportunities, blood youngsters and experiment position-wise.
It also showcases talent and lets players remind the boss that they are ready to roll as and when required.
Case in point, Oleksandr Zinchenko.
Some of the Ukrainian’s passing on Tuesday night was breath-taking and in the second-half, he volleyed a 50-yard cross-field pass to Riyad Mahrez that oozed class and technical excellence.
A popular member of the squad, these were his first minutes of the campaign, but on this evidence, we can expect to see more of this talented and versatile youngster.
5 Who would you like in Round 4?
The Carabao Cup will be whittled down to 16 teams this evening, of which the Blues - the holders - are, of course, among.
Among those who remain are a couple of away days City fans would relish/find interesting.
Blackpool are still in the competition and would no doubt be a tie both sets of fans would enjoy, or how about a trip to former City player Nigel Clough’s Burton Albion?
We’ll know on Saturday when the fourth round draw is made live on Quest channel.
