Manchester City’s UEFA Super Cup clash with Sevilla had all the action and drama we would expect in European football.
Cole Palmer impressed many during the second half. Following a quiet first half, the youngster appeared to lack a senior squad player confidence. However, he kept the Blues in the game with a cracking header for the equaliser.
It was the first starting debut for Gvardiol who made an impressive start and begun his settling phase nicely. Despite a shaky looking defence, they held out and maintained the score line to head through for penalties.
Ederson was the one though, who stepped up in the moment and kept Sevilla at bay when the defence in front of him were off their game. Having made a number of crucial saves, there was nothing he could do to stop the Sevilla opener – no one was stopping it.
There have been debates for the last couple of seasons around Rodri being the world’s best CDM currently. However, he comes back into the new season after a short rest and an intense end to last season, and he still looks far beyond any other CDM.
Perhaps the debate needs to be around Rodri being the best player in the world currently?
The result worked in favour of the Blues in the end. Although it became clear that there was a De Bruyne shaped hole in midfield. With title rivals strengthening, there needs to be a focus on bringing in their transfer targets.
The Super Cup in Athens on Wednesday night, and the Premier League in sunny Manchester on a Saturday night. “This is how it feels to be City”.