Manchester City wrapped up their pre-season tour with an entertaining draw against Barcelona. With many senior players still unavailable, Pep Guardiola continued to give opportunities to youngsters. Ederson captained the side, signalling how valued he is at the club.
Man City started strong and came close to scoring when Erling Haaland nearly converted Oscar Bobb’s cross. However, the absence of goal-line technology meant the goal wasn’t awarded.
Barcelona took the lead through Víctor Pau, but City equalized when youngster Nico O’Reilly finished well. Barcelona regained the lead in first-half stoppage time with a smart finish by Pablo Torre. City looked lively in the second half, and Jack Grealish equalized with a much-needed goal, set up by Mateo Kovacic. The match ended 2-2, with Barcelona winning the penalty shootout 4-1.
Player Ratings
Ederson – 6
A tough pre-season for him. Could have dealt with the second goal better.
Rico Lewis – 7
Showed intelligence on the ball and had some nice touches.
Josko Gvardiol – 6
Caught out of position for Barcelona’s opener but made amends with a fantastic pass for O’Reilly’s equaliser.
Kalvin Phillips – 7
After a calamitous showing in the previous game, Phillips was deployed as a centre back and had a good game. Reassuring to see him look composed and confident on the ball again.
Josh Wilson-Esbrand – 7
Solid defensively and contributed going forward, but Barcelona exploited the space he left for their second goal.
Mateo Kovacic – 7.5
A classy performance, capped by a brilliant run and assist for Grealish’s goal.
Nico O’Reilly – 7
Scored a well-taken goal, but his inexperience showed at times in his decision-making.
James McAtee – 6
Had a quiet game, but looked good when involved.
Oscar Bobb – 7
Not as good as he has been in the previous two games but still a lively performance from the winger. Set up Haaland with a wonderful cross for what should have been City’s opener.
Jack Grealish – 8
Was involved throughout the game and was very direct with his play. Got a much needed goal in the second half.
Erling Haaland – 6
Should have had a goal, but was otherwise not very involved.
Substitutes
Stefan Ortega (on 45) – 6
Had little to do, though he did venture far out of goal on one occasion.
Maximo Perrone (on 45) – 6
Did the basics well and kept the play ticking.
Mahamadou Susoho (on 65) – 6
Looked solid in midfield.
Callum Doyle (on 65) – 7
Made a crucial block to deny Robert Lewandowski in stoppage time.
Jacob Wright (on 65) – 6
Looked confident on the ball.
Amar Fatah (on 65) – 6
Made some nice runs into the opposition box.
Luke Mbete, Micah Hamilton, Jaden Heskey – N/A
