LONDON ENGLAND: Manchester City foot ball had their pre-season disrupted by key players having extended breaks as a result of internationals matches.
England trio Phil Foden, John Stones and Kyle Walkerm were on break following the summer recent Olympic competition, though they were fit enough to make the bench and Spain midfielder Rodri, who was left out entirely after only resuming training this week.
Savinho, a summer signing from Brazil, was able to make his debut under manager Pep Guardiola. unfortunately a knock led the winger to leave the game before halftime, and Foden replaced his spot.
The pre-season work might also help to explain an acceptable and spectacular, performance in which they regularly maintained a certain level of control.
Manchester city boss, Pep Guardiola was pleased with Kovacic’s performance in the mid field in Rodri’s absence.
Rodri’s absence caused City to lose three of their four league games the previous season, but this time around, his absence might not be as noticeable thanks to a composed performance and a well-executed goal.
Chelsea struggle to get going
It was a Herculean task for new Chelsea manager, Enzo Moresca selecting a wining squared today from the pool of more than 40 senior players after spending £185m signing eleven (11)new players this summer.
This means some established stars were left out for Sunday’s game including right winger, Raheem Sterling, whose representatives is eager to know the future of the former Liverpool star in the club
In spite of the clutch of new signings none were named in the starting XI, though Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Marc Guiu, Pedro Neto and Renato Veiga came on in the second half – only the second time a Premier League side has fielded four debutants in the same game.
The most outstanding player amongst the four was Portugal’s Neto, a £54 million signing from Wolves, whose presence seemed to inspire the rest of the club as they sought an equalizer.
Overall though, it was a separated performance, which is perhaps to be anticipated knowing the new management and the large number of acquisitions.
But at least Maresca has something to work with given the energy shown, especially during the second half when Chelsea tried to rally.
