MANCHESTER CITY handed Enzo Maresca and Chelsea a worrying pre-season lesson in Ohio.
Maresca has warned already that the Blues will ship goals when playing out from the back, and they managed to concede two in the opening five minutes.
City’s penalty, after just two minutes, came after Tosin Adarabioyo hit a pass straight at Jack Grealish. The ball fell to Erling Haaland, who was tripped by Levi Colwill and converted the penalty – having had to retake after scoring the first attempt.
Within a minute of the restart, Haaland scored again. This time the Norwegian benefited from Moises Caicedo looking to pass back but finding the feet of the City striker.
He rounded Adarabioyo and finished comfortably.
City managed another quick double after the break too, Oscar Bobb scoring a wonderful goal with a cute finish at the near post before Haaland grabbed his hat-trick – both goals coming after Chelsea had gifted possession.
Sub Raheem Sterling grabbed one back for Chelsea, smashing home a fine left-footed volley before, in the 89th minute, Noni Madueke scored his second goal in as many games on the break.
Here is how Jack Rosser rated Chelsea…
Nothing he could really have done about any of the gaols. Looked a little more comfortable on the ball.
Struggled with Jack Grealish and City’s youngsters at times but was assured on the ball – unlike most of his teammates.
Handed City the ball in the Chelsea box which resulted in Colwill fouling Haaland to concede an early penalty. Struggled to deal with City’s forwards for most of the game.
Can consider himself unfortunate to concede the early penalty but could have done more to stop Bobb’s goal.
Gave up the ball for Haaland’s third goal in the middle of Chelsea’s half and was caught out of position down the left a few times.
Continues to impress in midfield during this pre-season tour. Always brave on the ball and has the ability to get out of tight spots.
Moved out onto the left on his second start of the tour and was far less effective than when playing centrally against Club America.
His first start of pre-season and added to Chelsea’s problems playing out from the back, gifting the ball to Haaland for his second goal after just five minutes.
The Argentine made his first start of pre-season, but wasted a huge first half chance after Ortega played the ball straight to his feet.
Fernandez tried to dink the ball over the City keeper but managed to drag it wide.
Worked hard defensively but offered nothing going forwards. The winger has not had the best pre-season so far.
Started the game leading the line and did not have much of an impact, improved after being dropped back behind Mar Guiu.
Noni Madueke – 7
Added some threat down the right and delivered a fine cross for Sterling’s goal and grabbed one of his own with two minutes to go.
Raheem Sterling – 6
Sloppy on the ball in the build up to Bobb’s goal but made up for it with a fine finish at the other end.
Marc Guiu – 6
The young striker put himself about and made some impressive runs in behind but did not have the time to make a real impact.
Benoit Badiashile – 6
Somehow managed to come off the bench despite not being listed in the squad. Stepped into midfield well at times.
Wesley Fofana – n/a
