Football General Manager
- Reijnders stars in second half
- Pep makes ten changes at half time
- Palermo fans unveil Oasis tifo in buildup
Manchester City thumped Palermo 3-0 in their final pre-season friendly on Saturday.u0026nbsp;
Kick-off in Sicily between Manchester City and Palermo was delayed by fifteen minutes, as the two affiliated clubs engaged in a slightly bizarre celebration of their friendship. The Palermo fans unfurled an Oasis themed tifo while blasting ‘Live Forever’ through the tannoy.
That seemed to inspire the hosts, as they immediately threatened James Trafford’s goal through a headed effort in the opening five minutes. The Cityzens looked a touch rattled, as Palermo almost scored from a corner after Trafford was caught in possession. Pietro Ceccaroni really should have done better, as he peeled off his marker with ease but powered his header wide of the mark. The Rosanero, spurred on by a boisterous home support, looked ready to upset their vaunted opposition with a physical and direct gameplan that required John Stones and Usman Khusanov to be switched on with some tidy defending.
Eventually, City were able to exert control. Rico Lewis and Rayan Ait-Nouri stepped into midfield, creating intricate passing patterns that beguiled their hosts. It was Lewis who provided the assist for City’s opener, linking up with fellow academy graduate Oscar Bobb before bursting into the Palermo box. He picked his head up and fed Erling Haaland, with the Norwegian taking a touch before firing a low right-footed shot into the bottom corner.
Palermo were able to muster a tame headed effort moments later, but eventually were overwhelmed by City’s ball retention. Ait-Nouri should have done better with a snatched effort on the edge of the box, while Rayan Cherki saw his a chance blocked by a desperate Palermo break, just before the break.
Pep Guardiola opted to make ten changes at half time, with Haaland the only player to remain on the field. While the personnel changed, the flow of the game remained the same, as City’s subs dominated the possession in the opening stages of the second half. That pressure finally told in the 59th minute, when Savinho found Tijjani Reijnders unmarked in the Palermo box. The Dutchman made the most of the time afforded to him, taking a touch before coolly driving a low effort past Alfred Gomis in the Palermo net.u0026nbsp;
Palermo remained game for the fight considering they spent most of the half chasing shadows. On a couple of occasions they broke with real purpose, but were unable to produce any moments of telling quality.u0026nbsp;
Reijnders finished the job as he broke onto a layoff from youngster Divine Mukasa. Again, he showed a calm head in the area, passing the ball into the back of net with minimal fuss. A comfortable note to end pre-season on for the Cityzens.u0026nbsp;
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Tijjani Reijnders slotted into the middle of the park with minimal fuss. With Rodri out for the first three games of the Premier League season, his assimilation into the fold is increasingly important. Took both goals well, but butchered his chance for a hat-trick in the final moments of the game.u0026nbsp;
Rayan Ait-Nouri was similarly involved on the opposite flank, but maybe lacked the clarity of thought in the key moments when compared to Lewis.u0026nbsp;
Just as Rayan Cherki seemed to be exerting a greater influence on the game, he was one of the ten players swapped at the half. It’s unclear whether he’s done enough to start ahead of Omar Marmoush, Phil Foden or any number of City’s attacking threats.u0026nbsp;
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17-year-old Divine Mukasa joined the fray on the hour mark, replacing Haaland. Linked up nicely with Reijnders for the third goal and attempted to join in the build-up. City were in cruise control for the most part, giving him limited chances to shine.u0026nbsp;
The Cityzens will be hoping to put last season’s disappointing campaign behind them. They kick off their 2025/26 Premier League season with an away trip to Wolves on August 16.
