Manchester City are yet to record their first victory on their pre-season tour of the USA, having lost 3-2 to AC Milan at the Yankee Stadium. Pep Guardiola continued to field a fairly young team with some senior players like Erling Haaland, Ederson, Kalvin Phillips, and Jack Grealish.
The Citizens looked promising in attack but struggled defensively, primarily due to a makeshift defense consisting of youngsters. Erling Haaland gave City the lead before Lorenzo Colombo got himself a brace after finding himself unmarked in the area. James McAtee equalized for the Citizens, but it was AC Milan who took home the victory, with Marco Nasti scoring the winner with a good finish in the 78th minute.
MATCH HIGHLIGHTS
Player Ratings
Ederson – 5
Pep Guardiola has made it clear how much he wants Ederson to stay. Captaining the side today, he was disappointing. While he made some decent saves early on, he would have expected himself to do better with Colombo’s two goals.
Mahamadou Susoho – 5
Playing as a right-back, Susoho was decent in possession but looked lost with his positioning. Colombo was free multiple times with Susoho nowhere to be seen.
Jahmai Simpson-Pusey – 5
A decent performance from the youngster but he wasn’t on the same wavelength as teammate Susoho, with the gap between them targeted by the opposition.
Callum Doyle – 7
A good performance by the Englishman. He was confident and composed in possession and defended well.
Rico Lewis – 6
Playing as an inverted left back, he slotted into midfield seamlessly but was a bit loose with his touch in the final third.
Maximo Perrone – 6
His positioning needs to be worked on but he otherwise had a fairly decent game. Could serve as deputy for Rodri this season.
James McAtee – 7
Another promising display as he looks to force himself into the first team. Looked lively with the ball and headed in City’s second goal.
Nico O’Reilly – 6
Had a solid game and looked more or less comfortable.
Jack Grealish – 6
Was a bit quiet on the wing but looked much better when moved to the center.
Oscar Bobb – 8
What a pre-season showing by the youngster so far. Another fantastic run by him led to Haaland’s goal. He’s staking a serious claim to start as City’s right winger in the first few games.
Erling Haaland – 7
Slotted home City’s first but missed a few half chances after that. Taken off at half time.
Substitutes
Josh Wilson-Esbrand (on 45) – 6
A much better display compared to the Celtic game. Drove forward on the left flank well.
Kalvin Phillips (on 45) – 5
Was smarter with his positioning but gave the ball away at the edge of his own box, which was almost punished by Milan. His confidence looks gone.
Jadel Katongo (on 45) – 6
Had a solid game in defence.
Micah Hamilton (on 45) – 7
Was direct and crafted City’s second with a fantastic run followed by a pinpoint cross for McAtee.
Jacob Wright (on 64) – 6
Didn’t get much of the ball but looked okay.
Amar Fatah (on 67) – 6
The trialist dribbled well and received some praise from Guardiola at the press conference.
Scott Carson (on 73) – N/A
The cult-hero made sure he didn’t concede another goal, keeping a clean sheet.
Josko Gvardiol (on 73) – N/A
Played as a center-back instead of his usual left-back.
