Firstly the field resembled a non league pitch in April after a Taylor Swift concert had been held only days before. The 'Swifties' seemingly more rowdy than one might expect although we knew they were trouble we hoped they would shake it off before entering the stadium. Now it's clear they should never, ever, get back together!
Focusing on Manchester City and we saw Zinchenko provide quite a good service as a holding midfielder. With City missing out on Jorginho, and no real pursuit of cover for Fernandinho, Pep is now looking to alternatives. Ironically a player he used as left back last season could be his answer as a holding midfielder this season. That after converting a player in the other direction last season in Fabian Delph.
New signing Claudio Gomes, a City player for only a matter of hours, looked okay although not totally convincing in front of the back line. Initially almost scoring a comical own goal he re-grouped and was supplying some good balls for Harrison and co.
Pep must have been proud, despite the result, of his young charges and how they played the game. Liverpool were guilty of multiple fouls early on with no cards issued by a very poor referee. Even a penalty shout was turned away as Nmecha looked set to open the scoring.
At the other end Jack Harrison did impress with his willingness to track back. Again, I am not sure he will find a place in Pep's Premier League squad this season, but he certainly put his name out there for a loan maybe.And that is true of most of the players in City's new away kit.
When the half time whistle blew, Manchester City were more than in the game and holding their own. The second half began with early pressure from Liverpool, despite Pep bringing Leroy Sane and Bernardo Silva. Joe Hart was once again brought on for Bravo for his 45 minute advertisement to potential clubs.
Leroy Sane went close, and probably should have scored, after 52 minutes. Five minutes later Bernado fed the German again and this time he made no mistake. Turning on the afterburners the ignored German winger left the most expensive defender looking at his heels. Beating the young Liverpool keeper at a tight angle, City took the lead.
Klopp decided to bring on Mane and Salah with the latter scoring the equalizer moments later. City's lead lasted only six minutes, with an offside Mo Salah finishing past Hart. Even the Egyptian couldn't believe the flag stayed down and took a few moments before celebrating.
From then on it was all Liverpool but City repelled the attacks. Literally boys against men it took a stoppage time penalty to secure the win for Liverpool. So City head into the third game Saturday night with looking for their first win.
In actuality though not many of the City players did anything but good for themselves. Whether their futures are at City or elsewherre it is clear that Pep certainly has good half dozen who could be involved in the first team as soon as this season.
New signing Gomes looks like he could certainly do a job for Fernandinho while Foden and Brahim made a case for being more involved this season. Jason Denayer is certainly as good as, if not better than Mangala and Nmecha offers an option for the forward line. Again, Jack Harrison and Patrick Roberts looked dangerous with only the wealth of talent already ahead of them possibly blocking their route to the first team.
Next up is Bayern Munich, with Benjamin Mendy possibly returning. It could be Joe Harts last appearance in a Manchester City shirt along with one final chance for Pep to look at potential squad players for the upcoming season.
No comments:
Post a Comment