Erling Haaland’s good form continues, but Jack Grealish will have to fight for his place in Manchester City’s lineup after a disappointing pre-season defeat to AC Milan. The Norwegian striker found the back of the net, marking the only real positive from an otherwise worrying performance by the Premier League champions.
Manchester City faces an unusual amount of uncertainty this year. The once deep squad is now shrinking, with rumors about key players’ departures adding to the instability. These concerns were amplified on Saturday when a youthful City crumbled in a 3-2 loss to AC Milan in New York.
Despite the loss, there were some positives for Pep Guardiola. Erling Haaland scored with his first real chance, while Oscar Bobb threatened on the right wing. However, it was an otherwise forgettable night as a side heavy on academy kids failed to influence the game, and Jack Grealish struggled through 90 minutes.
A much sharper Milan started strong, forcing Ederson into two important saves within the first 15 minutes. City took their first chance when it came, with Haaland slotting into the bottom corner after a clever piece of wing play from Bobb. Milan equalized after 30 minutes, with Lorenzo Colombo nodding home from close range. Colombo added a second four minutes later in similar fashion, finding space at the far post for an easy finish. City responded after the break, with James McAtee equalizing with a well-taken header. However, Milan found a much-deserved winner through Marco Nasti, who scored with a clever finish from the edge of the box.
Guardiola can’t take too much from this game as half of his squad is still on holiday. Still, this City side appears flawed, with far less certainty than in previous years.
Winners & Losers from Yankee Stadium
Winner: Erling Haaland
Haaland continues to silence his critics. Though not known for his clean touch or elite hold-up play, his knack for finding the net is undeniable. Haaland scored with his first real touch of the game, cleverly finding space and slotting home. A fine save denied him a second goal, and he came inches from scoring again with his weaker foot. His fine form is a positive sign for City.
Loser: Mahamadou Susoho
Pre-season games are opportunities for youngsters, but Mahamadou Susoho missed his chance. The 19-year-old lost his man on both of Milan’s first-half goals, allowing Colombo to sneak in at the far post twice. While Susoho showed some positives, his defensive mistakes overshadowed them.
Winner: Oscar Bobb
Man City’s right wing looks wide open. Bobb played with determination against Milan, dribbling at defenders and creating opportunities. His skillful run set up City’s first goal, and with some cleaner movement in the center, he could have had more assists.
Loser: Jack Grealish
Jack Grealish will have to fight for his place this season, with Jeremy Doku as competition. Grealish didn’t inspire confidence against Milan, failing to create a single chance and managing just one touch in the opposition box. While he was tidy on the ball, his attacking spark was missing.
Winner: Lorenzo Colombo
Colombo, who has spent much of his Milan career on loan, seized his opportunity. He took his two goals well, sneaking in at the far post and finishing cleverly. Despite Milan’s transfer business potentially limiting his playing time, Colombo delivered a clinical performance.
Loser: Pep Guardiola
Guardiola had little to gain from this game, with only two likely starters in the lineup. City, mostly an academy side plus Haaland, faced a near-full-strength Milan. Individual errors led to City’s goals conceded, and they rarely pieced together convincing attacking moves. Guardiola will be eager for his key players to return from their holidays.
