Manchester City 2-3 AC Milan Review

Preseason Tour

Over to New York City and in the iconic Yankee Stadium, Manchester City took on AC Milan in their second preseason match of the tour. This time around the team was setup up differently and looked more comfortable on the ball from the off.

Doyle, Simpson-Pusey and Susoho forming a back three as Rico Lewis inverted into midfield alongside Nico O’Reilly.

Perrone as the left eight, McAtee the right eight and the same front three led from the front. City would struggled to progress down the left side and get the ball into Grealish but has success on the other side. McAtee dropping to receive the ball as well Oscar Bobb on the flank.

Link up between James McAtee and Oscar Bobb started the move down the right side for the goal. Oscar Bobb driving into the box and cutting it back for Erling Haaland.

We did get some small looks at the press City used out of possession as they were much more compact centrally. McAtee alongside Haaland in the middle and one of those would jump forward at a time which seemed to work better for Haaland.

Forced Milan to play down the wings which worked well for them a number of times. Other times City would win the ball back as the likes of Bobb, McAtee, O’Reilly and Perrone could push wide and trap Milan.

Two first half goals for AC Milan from Chukwueze digging out two crosses to the back post that none of the City back line were able to track and deal with.

At half-time City made a number of changes to the team. Jadel Katongo on for Susoho. Josh Wilson-Esbrand on for Haaland. Kalvin Phillips for Simpson-Pusey. Micah Hamilton on for Perrone.

That shifted the team around to look like this below.

Manchester City kicked off the second half quickly again with goal by James McAtee. The direct nature of Hamilton to beat his defender on the left side before delivering a cross to the back post. Meeting a brilliant run by McAtee.

Milan found the winning goal by getting into some space behind Josh Wilson-Esbrand. Saelemaekers then cuts the ball back across the top of the box to find the run of Nastri. Not tracked by any of the City midfielders.

Micah Hamilton had a few bright moments other than the goal, a player set back with injury a couple years ago but now looks ready for 1st team football. Guardiola was full of praise for his aggressive approach 1v1.

Later into the second half we saw some more changes to the lineup. Jacob Wright came on for James McAtee and got on the ball towards the end of the game in the six position. Fatah came on for O’Reilly and stood out for his direct carries into the box. Long frame, quick and a difficult player to shake off the ball. Surprised if there isn’t some interest in him this summer.

The team shifted around to look like this.

Before full-time both Scott Carson and Josko Gvardiol came on at the 79th minute. Gvardiol was virtually playing midfield for the remaining ten minutes as he begins to build back his fitness.

City were definitely better in this match than against Celtic. The young players making a step forward. Oscar Bobb continuing to show he’s ready to start games for the team. Given the players available against a senior Milan team.

Rico Lewis continued to build his fitness with another ninety minutes. Taking control in midfield for the first half and filling in at either FB position throughout the match. Getting more advanced in the second half down the flank. Excited to see how he fairs this season, should be getting more minutes at full-back and in time will progress to midfield. He could play an important role for the team this season as an inverted RB. We saw last season that it matters who is your spare man in the final third and Rico Lewis would be more effective than Akanji in/around the box.

Another tough afternoon for Kalvin Phillips but nothing that is not already known. Hopefully the right move can be found for him this summer window.

Mateo Kovacic is back with the squad and was on the bench. Expect him to be involved in the next match. No return dates for the remaining senior players but it would seem that they won’t until the team return to Manchester.

Ederson was asked about his future at Manchester City following the transfer news reported this summer window.

Next up for Manchester City is Barcelona 31st July, 00:00 (GMT). That match will take place in Orlando, Florida.

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