Manchester City began their pre-season campaign with an unexpected 4-3 loss to Scottish champions Celtic. The match took place at Kenan Memorial Stadium in North Carolina and was a thrilling spectacle for the fans, despite the absence of several international stars due to their commitments at Euro 2024 and the Copa America. This gave some of the less experienced players a chance to shine and provided some valuable insights into the team’s current form. Here are four key takeaways from this pre-season match.
1. Haaland’s Leadership Role
With a shortage of experienced players, Erling Haaland took on the captain’s armband and led the attack for Manchester City. The Norwegian striker was actively involved throughout the game, constantly challenging Celtic’s goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel. Haaland managed to find the back of the net in the 57th minute, demonstrating his reliability as a goal scorer. However, he was substituted a little over ten minutes later. Despite his efforts and those of prominent first-team members like Jack Grealish, Stefan Ortega, Oscar Bobb, Kalvin Phillips, and Rico Lewis, City couldn’t secure a win.
Haaland’s role as captain in this match was significant, as it highlighted his growing influence and leadership within the team. His performance, while not enough to prevent the loss, was a positive sign for City fans looking forward to the upcoming season.
2. Kalvin Phillips’ Uncertain Future
Kalvin Phillips’ time at Manchester City has been challenging since his move from Leeds United. Manager Pep Guardiola has publicly expressed his dissatisfaction with the midfielder, and Phillips struggled to make an impact during a brief loan at West Ham United last season. With key players like Rodri, Kevin De Bruyne, Mateo Kovacic, John Stones, and Matheus Nunes unavailable due to international duties, Phillips started alongside 19-year-old Nico O’Reilly in central midfield.
Phillips completed 22 of his 26 passes and made a couple of interceptions but failed to make any tackles. He was substituted at half-time, and his performance did little to secure his place in the team. His future at the Etihad Stadium remains uncertain, and it is yet to be seen which club might take him on.
3. Oscar Bobb’s Standout Performance
Oscar Bobb has already shown glimpses of his talent to City fans, notably when he controlled a pass from De Bruyne and scored a late winner against Newcastle United back in January. In the match against Celtic, the 21-year-old demonstrated that he is ready for more regular competitive starts. Bobb equalized at 1-1 with a goal that Schmeichel couldn’t keep out and provided a brilliant assist to Maximo Perrone after some sharp dribbling up the wing. He also delivered the cross that Haaland converted to make it 3-3.
Bobb’s performance was a highlight in the defeat and showcased his potential to become a regular starter for Manchester City. His creativity and skill were evident throughout the match, making him one of the standout players.
4. Young Talent Gets a Chance
With key defenders Kyle Walker, Ruben Dias, and Manuel Akanji missing, the match against Celtic was an opportunity for younger players to step up. Josh Wilson-Esbrand, Luke Mbete-Tabu, and Jahmai Simpson-Pusey were all given starts, and midfielder Maximo Perrone, another young talent to watch, also made an impact by scoring a goal after his second-half introduction.
Nico O’Reilly and Jahmai Simpson-Pusey both made their senior debuts, and their performances will likely earn them more minutes in City’s next pre-season game against AC Milan on Saturday night. This match provided a glimpse into the future of Manchester City, showcasing the depth of young talent in the squad.
In conclusion, Manchester City’s pre-season loss to Celtic was a thrilling encounter that offered valuable insights into the team’s current form and the potential of its players. Haaland’s leadership, Phillips’ uncertain future, Bobb’s standout performance, and the emergence of young talent were the key takeaways from this exciting match. As City prepares for the upcoming season, these elements will be crucial in shaping the team’s strategy and lineup.
