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Match Report and Player Ratings: Manchester City 4-2 Chelsea (Pre-Season Friendly)

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Manchester City rounded off their pre-season camp in the United States with a meeting against the side that will open their Premier League account for the 2024/25 season.

The contest started in lightning fashion, and not due to the weather conditions in Columbus, Ohio that threatened to delay the start of the contest, with Erling Haaland bringing the electricity with two goals in the opening five minutes.

The first saw Manchester City strike from the penalty spot, after a loose ball in the Chelsea defence saw Erling Haaland fouled inside the 18-yard box, converting himself at the second time of asking after a retake for a stutter in his run-up.

Just moments later and it was another gift presented to the 24-year-old, this time seeing Haaland taking on Tosin Adarabioyo one-versus-one, and cooly slotting past Robert Sanchez on his weaker foot into the bottom corner.

The rest of the half was largely even, with some tasty challenges and four yellow cards issued by the match referee, however there would be an injury concern to close off the opening 45 minutes, with Josh Wilson-Esbrand sustaining a hamstring problem on the stroke of half-time.

The second-half would not slow down whatsoever, with Oscar Bobb and Erling Haaland adding to the scoring both via assists from the ever-increasingly impressive James McAtee.

The first saw McAtee presented with the ball by former Manchester City star Raheem Sterling, allowing the Englishman to drive forward with the ball and play in Oscar Bobb, weaving inside the Chelsea penalty area to slot home into the bottom corner past a helpless Robert Sanchez.

Another Chelsea mistake would then gift Manchester City and James McAtee with another opportunity to attack, this time feeding the other Norwegian forward in Erling Haaland, shifting the ball onto his left foot to bend home into the bottom left corner once again.

A whole host of Manchester City changes would then follow, as the Premier League champions ultimately ended the game with an entirely different eleven to the one that started, some changes forced including Rico Lewis who succumbed to a knee injury.

Raheem Sterling would smash home a left-footed volley, before the final strike would come from Noni Madueke down the right-hand side, beating Scott Carson who shared the goals conceded with Stefan Ortega.

Following Manchester City’s 4-2 victory over Chelsea on Saturday night to end their 2024 pre-season tour of the United States, here is how we rated the individual performances of Pep Guardiola’s starting line-up and substitute appearance makers.

Player Ratings

Starting XI

Stefan Ortega – 8

Made several excellent saves to retain Manchester City’s dominant hold on the game, denying the likes of Noni Madueke and Christopher Nkunku from close range. Displayed excellent passing range too, despite one sole error.

Rico Lewis – 7.5

Another experienced and mature performance from Rico Lewis, commanding the right-side of Manchester City’s defence and offering plenty in an attacking sense, too. A shame to see him succumb to injury, but hopefully only an impact issue.

Kalvin Phillips – 7

Is this the position we could see somewhat of a redemption in for Kalvin Phillips at Manchester City? Okay, we might be getting a little carried away, but having the play in front of the 28-year-old has showcased his talents once again. Several crucial blocks, excellent passing range, and composed at the back.

Josko Gvardiol – 7

A further step in the right direction for Josko Gvardiol in pre-season, showing exactly why he is the club’s most senior defender on the United States pre-season tour this summer. A fantastic sign of things to come this season.

Josh Wilson-Esbrand – 6.5

Arguably the youngster’s finest showing of football for Manchester City on pre-season this summer, and a huge shame to see him succumb to a hamstring injury at the end of the first-half. Another top-level loan could see him develop greatly in the senior game.

Mateo Kovacic – 7

Showcasing a fine ability to turn on the ball in defensive midfield and drive the play into attacking areas. Created numerous opportunities with that same passage of play, similar to his assist against Barcelona. A real option to act as back-up to Rodri this season.

Nico O’Reilly – 6.5

Another showing beyond his years in the Manchester City first-team, once again operating much deeper than where he has become used to in the Academy set-up. Plenty more to come this season from the teenager.

James McAtee – 8

Two assists for James McAtee and an overall excellent attacking performance from the Englishman showing exactly why Pep Guardiola is so keen to keep the player, and why he has been attracting admiration and attention from… Chelsea.

Oscar Bobb – 8.5

A bright spark as he has been throughout the pre-season tour, further adding to his tally of goal contributions with a strike into the net of his own. Combined well with all areas of the forward line and was Manchester City’s most threatening player, causing havoc down the right.

Erling Haaland – 9 (MOTM)

A masterclass in taking chances when presented. But nothing new from Erling Haaland, in all honesty. A hat-trick on the eve of the competitive season. Expect plenty more where that came from, Blues!

Jack Grealish – 6.5

Another step in the right direction for Jack Grealish, building confidence and showcasing his strong ability to retain possession and link-up with the attacking line. Watch this space!

Substitutes

Tomas Galvez – 6

Bright on the attack, struggled defensively. Difficult to come into a game at the half-time interval unexpectedly due to Wilson-Esbrand’s hamstring injury, but a loan could develop Galvez into a fine talent.

Mahamadou Susoho – 6

Operated at right-back once again, coming on in the place of the injured Rico Lewis. Nothing too much to note, but nothing too much to criticise or highlight for the wrong reasons.

Amar Fatah – 6.5

Bright in spells, offered directness and pace in attack, but squandered two excellent opportunities to score his first Manchester City goals during this rare trial period within Pep Guardiola’s squad.

Joel Ndala – 6

Largely similar to the former; very bright and direct in attack, but struggled to make that impact at the very final moment. What a talent, and Ndala is no doubt one to watch for the months and years to come!

Scott Carson – N/A

Ended Manchester City’s pre-season tour of the United States donning the captain’s armband.

Justin Oboavwoduo – N/A

Jacob Wright – N/A

Maximo Perrone – N/A

Callum Doyle – N/A

Lakyle Samuel – N/A

Stephen Mfuni – N/A

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