Manchester City were beaten by Scottish champions Celtic 4-3 in a thrilling encounter at the Kenan Memorial Stadium in North Carolina as they began their pre-season tour of the USA. Pep Guardiola fielded a young team with some senior players like Erling Haaland, Stefan Ortega, and Jack Grealish.
The Citizens looked rusty and appeared second best throughout the match due to Celtic’s superior pre-season preparation so far. Nicolas-Gerrit Kuhn scored a brace for the Scottish champions, with Kyogo Furuhashi and Luis Palma also finding the back of the net. Haaland, Oscar Bobb, and Maximo Perrone scored for City
Player Ratings
Starting XI
Stefan Ortega – 6
Couldn’t really do much for the three goals he conceded. Substituted at half-time.
Rico Lewis – 7.5
A strong showing from the young full-back who looked confident in his usual position as an inverted wing-back, pushing into midfield effortlessly.
Luke Mbete – 4
A tough game for Mbete where individual faults of his could be found in all of Celtic’s first three goals. Replaced at half-time.
Jahmai Simpson-Pusey – 6
The FA Youth Cup-winning captain looked fairly composed on the ball and had a decent game overall.
Josh Wilson-Esbrand – 5
Looked nervous at times and struggled to deal with Kuhn’s direct play. Played as an inverted wing-back like Lewis, but all three first-half goals came from his side.
Kalvin Phillips – 4
Not a good showing by the former England international. Bypassed too easily in the middle and failed to protect the backline adequately.
Nico O’Reilly – 6
Almost scored within three minutes of his senior debut. Took too long on the ball occasionally but had a good enough game, assisting Bobb for City’s opening goal.
Oscar Bobb – 9
Played a part in all three of City’s goals by scoring one and creating the other two. His mazy run into the opposition box led to City’s second goal, while Haaland converted his pinpoint cross for their third. A strong showing by the youngster.
James McAtee – 7
Showed good positional awareness to get on the ball and showed a positive mindset when in possession.
Jack Grealish – 7.5
A good game for the City record signing. Looked confident in taking on his man and will hope to play a more important role in Guardiola’s team than last season.
Erling Haaland – 7
Scored a good header but could’ve had a hattrick if it wasn’t for Kasper Schmeichel’s saves.
Substitutes
Maximo Perrone (on 45) – 7
A smart finish for the goal immediately after half-time with his first touch.
Ederson (on 45) – 6
Didn’t have much to do with City dominating but was left stranded for Celtic’s fourth.
Mahamadou Susoho (on 45) – 7
A confident showing in the midfield by him.
Joel Ndala (on 45) – 6.5
Very direct and looked to take on the full-back constantly.
Jacob Wright (on 63) – 6
Showed some nice touches.
Jadel Katongo (on 63) – 6
Was decent in possession but was caught out for the Celtic winner.
Ben Knight (on 66) – 6
Had a few nice moments.
Micah Hamilton (on 66) – 6
Looked energetic as a forward
