Match Report and Player Ratings: Manchester City 2-3 AC Milan (Pre-Season Friendly) | OneFootball

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 US.

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

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

The Sky Blues had a pair of opportunities to extend their lead, but both Oscar Bobb and Erling Haaland were unable to keep their shots on target. Instead, AC Milan grabbed an equaliser in the 30th minute when Lorenzo Colombo headed in an Samuel Chukwueze cross from inside the six-yard-box.

Colombo scored a near-identical goal just four minutes later, when Samuel Chukwueze once again played another ball to the far-post for the Italian to tap home via a volley directly between Ederson’s legs.

Pep Guardiola made three substitutions in typical pre-season fashion at the half-time break, 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 City half-time substitute made an instant impact. It came in the 55th minute when Micah Hamilton beat his defender down the left and perfectly lofted a ball to the far-post for James McAtee to tap-in to draw the game at 2-2.

Disaster nearly struck in the 70th minute however, 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 too long however, as AC Milan were able to grab the lead a few 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 were unable to respond and lost their second pre-season match in a row, with the Premier League champions now set to take on FC Barcelona in Orlando on Wednesday night, scheduled for midnight in the UK.

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

Player Ratings

Ederson – 6

A fine performance. Wasn’t at fault for any of the goals, and just unlucky in all three scenarios.

Mahamadou Susoho – 5

Not a natural defender and that was arguably on full display. The Spanish midfielder wasn’t directly responsible for either of the first-half goals, but miscommunication with Jahmai Simpson-Pusey played a part.

Jahmai Simpson-Pusey – 5

It’s hard to blame a teenager getting forced into first-team action in a make-shift 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 likely won’t stay with Manchester City this season but it’s clear there’s a quality player in there. Another year on loan will help give him the experience he needs because the technical quality is apparent.

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 the closing exchanges.

Maximo Perrone – 6

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

Nico O’Reilly – 6

Had a few moments but it’s hard to shine when you’re forced into a disjointed midfield.

James McAtee – 7

Scored a solid goal and threatened throughout. He’s continued to improve and might just prove to not be loan worthy, and instead play a part in Manchester City’s squad this season.

Jack Grealish – 6.5

Was left isolated at times, and looked better in the second-half when he could drop deeper and let Micah Hamilton play wide. Already looks better than he did last season.

Erling Haaland – 7

Did a great job on the opening goal, and probably could be been better on his missed chance gifted to him by the AC Milan back-line. Decent performance despite limited service.

Oscar Bobb – 8

Was the best player on the pitch once again for Manchester City. This is his year.

Substitutes

Jaden Katongo – 6.5

Helped bring some needed stability to the back-line in the second-half.

Josh Wilson-Esbrand – 6

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

Kalvin Phillips – 4

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

Micah Hamilton – 7

Probably not first-team quality but it’s clear he’s a solid player and a loan will serve him well.

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, though.

Scott Carson: N/A

Josko Gvardiol: N/A