Manchester City wrapped up their pre-season tour with a dominant win against Chelsea. Pep Guardiola fielded a nearly identical team to the one he fielded against Barcelona, with Stefan Ortega coming in for Ederson.
There were doubts about Erling Haaland starting after Guardiola stated that the striker had injury concerns. However, the Norwegian started and showed no signs of any possible injury, scoring a well-deserved hat trick.
Oscar Bobb was the other scorer for the Citizens as they raced to a 4-0 lead against Chelsea, who have a new manager in Enzo Maresca, who was Guardiola’s assistant at City two years ago.
Raheem Sterling and Noni Madueke scored consolation goals for Chelsea. Guardiola’s men will face arch-rivals Manchester United in the Community Shield in a week’s time.
Player Ratings
Stefan Ortega – 6
Made a few good saves but was lucky not to concede a goal after passing the ball straight to Enzo Fernandes after venturing to the edge of the box.
Rico Lewis – 7
Another confident showing by the young full back. Drove forward effectively and linked up well with Oscar Bobb.
Kalvin Phillips – 7
Guardiola seems determined to give Phillips a chance after a challenging few years at City. Looked good in defense and may play as a Libero for the club going forward.
Josko Gvardiol – 6
A solid game by the Croatian. Interestingly, he’s played primarily as a centre-back this pre-season
Josh Wilson-Esbrand – 6.5
The youngster had a good game before he had to be taken off due to a hamstring issue. He should be sent out on loan this season to get some match experience at senior level.
Mateo Kovacic – 7
The Croatian had a good game and made a few more trademark darting runs through the middle.
Nico O’Reilly – 7
Guardiola has taken a liking to him and the reason is very clear. Another composed and confident showing by the young midfielder.
James McAtee – 7.5
An excellent game for the youngster. Assisted twice and worked hard off the ball.
Oscar Bobb – 8
Will definitely see a lot more game time this season. He was always direct with the ball and scored a fantastic goal, cutting in and drilling in a shot to the near post.
Jack Grealish – 7.5
Grealish looks ready for a big season. Pressed hard, winning the ball back for Haaland’s goal and also linked up well in the attacking third.
Erling Haaland – 8.5
A brilliant hat trick that concluded a successful pre-season for the Norwegian goal machine.
Substitutes
Tom Galvez (on 45) – 6
Made his senior debut, and although he was shaky in defense, the youngster looked bright in attack.
Mahamadou Susoho (on 69) – 6
A decent showing at right back.
Amar Fatah (on 70) – 6
Was direct with the ball but squandered a few good chances.
Joel Ndala (on 70) – 6
Some nice moments on the left. A loan spell will do the talented attacker well.
Scott Carson (on 78) – 6
Captained the side for the remainder of the game.
Justin Oboavwoduo (on 78)
Another senior debutant.
Jacob Wright, Stephen Mfuni, Lakyle Samuel, Callum Doyle – N/A
