Enzo Maresca has made a flawless start at Manchester City, securing six consecutive wins since replacing Pep Guardiola. The latest victory came Thursday with a 5-0 Carabao Cup demolition of Norwich City, despite Maresca resting key players like Erling Haaland and Gianluigi Donnarumma. The match showcased the squad's depth, with 17-year-old Floyd Samba scoring twice on his senior debut and new signings Allan and Gerónimo Rulli impressing. Academy prospects Rayan Cherki, Ayyoub Bouaddi, and Nico O'Reilly also featured alongside experienced Mateo Kovacic.

Maresca acknowledged fan skepticism about succeeding a legend but insisted his focus remains strictly game-by-game. "I'm not thinking more than one week ahead because I know that in our job many things can change in one week," he said. The Italian's tactical acumen was previously evident in statement wins over FC Porto and Manchester United, the latter achieved with 10 men at Old Trafford.

Defensive solidity has emerged despite personnel rotation, with four straight clean sheets featuring young center-backs Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis. As injuries and suspensions loom in the coming months, Thursday's performance demonstrated Maresca has viable options across the squad. While it's still early September, the post-Guardiola transition appears remarkably smooth.