The first happened last night in Chicago, at Soldier Field. A young Manchester City side were defeated by Borussia Dortmund by a single goal scored by Gotze from the penalty spot. The performance overall from City wasn't all that bad. New signing, Riyad Mahrez showed little bits of what he's bringing to the squad, and Joe Hart got to wear a City shirt once more.
I also thought Jason Denayer looked good at the back and could probably do a job this upcoming season. Moving forward I though Jack Harrison also showed promise although, with the numbers we have in his position, it most likely won't be in City blue.
On the other side of the spectrum, young Phil Foden had a quiet game while Zinchenko looked poor at left back. It was his clumsy challenge which gave away the penalty which Dortmund converted. This was only a friendly though, with Pep trying new things and allowing players to make their case for first team involvement, as Foden and Diaz had done a year before.
As such, at half time, changes were made by Dortmund, but only one by City. Joe Hart coming on for Claudio Bravo saw a keeper Pep doesn't want replace the keeper most City fans don't want, but such is life.
There would be no more goals in the second half, although I feel a clear shout for a penalty or free kick outside the area and red card. Dieckmann the lucky guy after his ill-advised lunge was not penalized. Instead it was a free kick the other way, offside the verdict. However no replays were shown during the game and only post match highlights brought into serious question the decision.
In truth though it would not be about the result or decisions, but the performance, both individually and collectively. Zinchenko was poor and Bolton, usually used to being more forward than he was, was turned too easily.
Patrick Roberts came on for the final fifteen or so minutes and looked lively. Again though, along with Harrison, you'd have to wonder how much time he'd actually get. Sane looked good when he came on. Visibly fresh from his exclusion from the German World Cup debacle he might feel he needs to show his National coach where they might have found the pace and directness the side was missing out on.
For Pep, it was encouraging for the future. With such a young side playing against a top German side, they showed courage, intensity and an ability to compete. He must be happy with the performance and experience they now have gained.
Next up will be a Liverpool side at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. A similar starting lineup might be expected, although maybe a couple of returning senior faces will also be available.
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