Manchester City 2-3 AC Milan (pre-season friendly)

Marco Nasti scored the winning goal at Yankee Stadium as Manchester City dropped their second pre-season friendly in a row during their tour of the USA.

Just like in the first leg against Celtic in North Carolina, Manchester City looked sluggish in the opening minutes of the match against AC Milan, having some early chances but struggling to get a hold of the contest.

Despite the early rush, City found their feet and Erling Haaland opened the scoring with a first-time effort, set up by Oscar Bobb, who dribbled easily past an AC Milan defender before cutting the ball back to his Norwegian teammate.

The Sky Blues had a couple of chances to extend their lead but both Oscar Bobb and Erling Haaland failed to keep their shots on target. Instead, AC Milan equalized in the 30th minute when Lorenzo Colombo headed home Samuel Chukwueze’s cross from inside the six-yard box.

Colombo scored an almost identical goal just four minutes later when Samuel Chukwueze again played a ball to the far post for the Italian to volley home through Ederson’s legs.

Pep Guardiola made three substitutions in typical pre-season fashion at half-time, bringing on Kalvin Phillips, Jadel Katongo and Josh Wilson-Esbrand for Maximo Perrone, Jahmai Simpson-Pusey and Erling Haaland.

Just like the first pre-season game, a half-time substitute for City made an instant impact. It came in the 55th minute when Micah Hamilton beat his defender on the left and flicked a ball perfectly at the far post for James McAtee to slot in to level the game at 2-2.

However, disaster almost struck in the 70th minute when Kalvin Phillips carelessly lost the ball on the edge of City’s penalty area. It was a golden opportunity for AC Milan to retake the lead, but a crucial defensive block on the goal line kept the game level.

But not for long though, AC Milan managed to take the lead moments later in the 78th minute when Marco Nasti scored from the edge of the Manchester City penalty area, set up by Alexis Saelemaekers.

Manchester City could not respond and lost their second pre-season game in a row, with the Premier League champions now set to face FC Barcelona in Orlando on Wednesday night, set to kick off at midnight in the UK.

After another well-contested clash during Manchester City’s pre-season tour of the United States, here’s how we assessed the individual performances of Pep Guardiola’s players at the iconic Yankee Stadium.

Player Ratings

Ederson – 6

A good performance. He wasn’t to blame for any of the goals and just unlucky in all three scenarios.

Mahamadou Susoho – 5

He’s not a natural defenseman, and that was probably entirely the case. The Spanish midfielder wasn’t directly responsible for any of the first-half goals, but miscommunication with Jahmai Simpson-Pusey played a role.

Jahmai Simpson-Pusey – 5

It’s hard to blame a teenager who is forced into first-team action in a makeshift back line. The gap between him and Mahamadou Susoho was targeted twice in the first half and the result was two goals conceded.

Callum Doyle – 7

Doyle probably won’t stay with Manchester City this season, but it’s clear there’s a quality player there. Another year on loan will help give him the experience he needs as the technical quality is evident.

Rico Lewis – 6.5

It was a standard Rico Lewis performance; solid on the ball in midfield and slightly rushed in the final third. Operated in false-nine for closing shifts.

Maximo Perrone – 6

It wasn’t as impactful as his performance against Celtic, but another solid display from the Argentine. He may have to serve as cover for Rodri if no one is brought in this summer.

Nico O’Reilly – 6

I had some moments, but it’s hard to shine when you’re forced into a disjointed middle.

James McAtee – 7

Scored a solid goal and threatened throughout. He has continued to improve and may prove not to be loan worthy and instead play a role in Manchester City’s squad this season.

Jack Grealish – 6.5

He was isolated at times and looked better in the second half when he was able to drop deeper and let Micah Hamilton play wide. He already looks better than last season.

Erling Haaland – 7

Did a great job with the opening goal and could probably do better with the missed chance presented to him by the AC Milan defender. Decent performance despite limited service.

Oscar Bob – 8

He was the best player on the pitch again for Manchester City. This is his year.

Substitutes

Jaden Katongo – 6.5

Helped bring much-needed stability to the backline in the second half.

Josh Wilson-Esbrand – 6

It was a much better performance compared to the first half against Celtic, that’s all that really needs to be said.

Calvin Phillips – 4

Alarming reaction after losing the ball on the edge of the box, confidence is completely shot.

Micah Hamilton – 7

He’s probably not first-team quality, but he’s clearly a solid player and a loan will do him good.

Jacob Wright – 6.5

Limited minutes but continues to look so smooth on the ball.

Amar Fatah: N/A

Notable praise from Pep Guardiola during his post-match press conference.

Scott Carson: N/A

Josko Guardiol: N/A