Manchester City's much-changed side negotiated their way into the Carabao Cup fourth round with a 6-1 win over Wycombe.

As promised, Pep Guardiola called on City's academy on Tuesday, handing five players – including all four defenders – their debuts.

That inexperience proved a vulnerability when Brandon Hanlan gave third-tier Wycombe the lead 22 minutes in, though City's quality up front told as the hosts took control by half-time.

Kevin De Bruyne restored parity with a superb finish before Riyad Mahrez and Phil Foden made life more comfortable for the holders.

Ferran Torres got in on the act and Mahrez grabbed a second to put the result beyond all doubt, with Cole Palmer's first senior goal adding further gloss.

City missed some presentable chances early on and were made to pay. Zack Steffen's weak punch from a corner fell to Ryan Tafazolli, who squared to the unmarked Hanlan to lash home.

Sparked into life, however, City hit straight back – De Bruyne finding the right-hand corner after cutting in from the left following Foden's pass.

A venomous Raheem Sterling effort cracked against the left-hand post as City clicked into gear, with the same upright then denying De Bruyne a second.

Yet Wycombe's luck ran out prior to half-time. Joshua Wilson-Esbrand capped off an impressive run by squaring for Mahrez to sweep home, before the power on Foden's strike did for Wycombe keeper David Stockdale.

Anthony Stewart tried his luck from range as Wycombe searched for a way back into the game, before Jordan Obita was denied by Steffen.

Any slender comeback hopes were swiftly ended, though, with Foden sliding across for Torres to tuck in from close range.

There was time for more – Mahrez helping himself to a second before substitute Palmer rounded off an emphatic win with a crisp finish.

What does it mean? Guardiola gives nothing up to minnows

After this win, Guardiola has progressed from 37 of his 38 previous cup ties against sides from outside the top-flight in his career with Barcelona, Bayern Munich and City, failing only in the FA Cup fifth round in 2017-18 against Wigan Athletic, losing 1-0.

City, who have won the EFL Cup in the last four seasons, have not been eliminated from this competition by a side from outside the Premier League since September 2008, and have lost just once as a top-flight side at home against a side from outside the top-flight (W36 D9 L1).

Foden finds his feet after lay-off

Given the inexperience elsewhere on the pitch for City, it is bizarre to think Foden, at the ripe old age of 21, was almost an experienced head.

He has had a delayed start to the season after sustaining an injury during Euro 2020, but found his rhythm in midfield on Tuesday. His strike had too much on it for Stockdale, and his two assists – for De Bruyne and Torres respectively – were quite sublime as he racked up seven chances created.

Anonymous Akinfenwa

Though Adebayo Akinfenwa is into the twilight of his career, you would have fancied a player famed for his power and strength to relish playing against a City defence made up of players born in the 2000s.

Yet the striker only had one attempt, which did not hit the target, and failed to create a chance, taking just 22 touches and completing only seven of his 15 passes.

What's next?

A far sterner test awaits City on Saturday, with the Premier League champions facing title rivals Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Wycombe are in action against MK Dons.