At the John Smith’s Stadium, Manchester City fans were treated to a unique moment in the Carabao Cup tie against Huddersfield Town. With a comfortable two-goal advantage, Pep Guardiola turned to his substitutes and introduced Reigan and Jaden Heskey, the teenage sons of former England forward Emile Heskey.
Their father last featured in this competition a decade ago, and now both brothers stepped into senior football for City, marking a family milestone. Kolo Touré, once a teammate of Emile and now on Guardiola’s staff, watched on as the pair made their entrance.
Guardiola highlighted the academy’s influence on the night, noting that six players began the match while two more, the Heskey brothers, entered later. “Their parents will feel proud,” said the manager, praising the club’s development pipeline.
Seventeen-year-old Reigan is seen as a skilful winger, while Jaden, aged 19, has earned a reputation as a strong, disciplined midfielder and captain at youth level. He found the net in City’s FA Youth Cup triumph over Leeds in 2024. Against Huddersfield, Jaden played 14 minutes, replacing Nico O’Reilly, while Reigan was introduced for Savinho.
Foden rediscovers top form
Earlier in the contest, Phil Foden reminded everyone of his quality. After a difficult spell last season, marked by injury and personal struggles, the midfielder has quickly regained sharpness and confidence.
Foden has contributed two goals and two assists in his opening five appearances of the campaign. Against Huddersfield, he delivered a performance full of invention and control, dictating play and scoring a well-taken strike after linking with debutant Divine Mukasa.
He also set up Savinho’s finish for City’s second, ensuring safe passage to the next round. Guardiola emphasised Foden’s ability to operate between lines or with greater freedom, describing him as “unique” when playing with confidence.
Former England international Sue Smith called him “unstoppable” on BBC Radio 5 Live, while teammate Rico Lewis stressed the importance of his happiness off the pitch, saying his renewed confidence is fuelling his displays.
Looking ahead for City
City’s fourth-round tie will see them travel to Swansea, with both Heskey brothers hoping for another opportunity. Kalvin Phillips, who returned to action after more than nine months away, will also be aiming to add to his minutes.
Phillips became a father for the second time days earlier and joined the squad from London to feature in Huddersfield. Guardiola described his appearance as a positive step forward.
Before the international break, City will host Burnley and face trips to Monaco and Brentford, with Foden determined to continue his strong form and push for a return to Thomas Tuchel’s England squad.