A Kevin De Bruyne masterclass helped Manchester City edge out an impressive Yokohama F. Marinos side in Japan, as goals from the Belgian, Raheem Sterling and Lukas Nmecha secured a 3-1 victory.
City were lacklustre during their final game in Asia, with Yokohama impressively carrying the fight to the Premier League champions.
De Bruyne opened the scoring on 18 minutes with a well-taken left footed finish into the near post, after a precise Bernardo Silva pass. The hosts levelled just six minutes later through Keita Endo, following an impressive double save from Claudio Bravo.
However, City retook the lead towards the end of the half - Sterling finishing off an inch-perfect De Bruyne pass.
The second half lacked the same zip from the first period, but Yokohama continued to pose a threat - and carved out the best chances of the second half. They had three glorious opportunities in the second 45, but were unable to convert. City's intensity dropped majorly, but were able to round off the game with a deft Nmecha finish in stoppage time.
Check out 90min's review of the game below.
Manchester City
Key Talking Point
The Citizens fielded a very strong starting lineup and were fluid in attack, wasting no time getting into their groove. Sterling operated as the lone striker, with Leroy Sane and Bernardo either side. Yokohama held an astonishingly high defensive line, allowing the front three to make constant direct runs in behind - and City certainly benefited.
@sterling7 some great movement up front and nice finish#mcfc @DeBruyneKev pass though
— JT_MCFC (@xBlueMoonRising) July 27, 2019
Pep Guardiola was animated throughout the game, gesticulating in all directions as his side were carved open at the back on far too many occasions. Yokohama had many guilt-edged opportunities in the first half, and City had to make last ditch tackles. There was an heir of complacency and fragility at the back - with Kyle Walker constantly out of position.
Perhaps the most worrying thing for City fans was the discussion Guardiola had with Walker during a drinks break in the first half. Walker was unable to find his midfield teammates, instead passing the ball sideways to Stones on nine occasions in the first half. In comparison, Oleksandr Zinchenko was often able to find new signing Rodri in the centre, and attacks were able to stem from there.
We really need Cancelo signed! Walkers need to realise he’s replaceable! #mcfc
— (@Silvas_Package) July 27, 2019
Player Ratings
Starting XI:
STAR MAN
@DeBruyneKev | First-Half:
— City Xtra (@City_Xtra) July 27, 2019
1 Goal Scored
1 Assist
2 Attempts
77% Pass Accuracy
15 Sprints
6.2KM Covered#MCFC pic.twitter.com/XElmv9ialg
If Kevin Debruyne can stay fit this season, PL defenders are all dead meat. #mcfc #ManCity
— ThankGod (@fadarajay) July 27, 2019
Looking Ahead
Source : 90min