City cruise to Community Shield victory

Maurizio Sarri’s competitive game in English football has ended in defeat, but with both sides still missing key players, he will argue that it might not be reflective of how his team will play when the Premier League begins.

Chelsea started without N’Golo Kante or Eden Hazard, arguably their two most influential players and City fielded a weakened lineup as well. Kyle Walker, John Stones and Sergio Aguero were all deemed fit to start, but Kevin de Bruyne and Vincent Kompany were absent when the game kicked off.

It did not seem to affect them however, as Aguero found his stride almost immediately. With 13 minutes gone in the first half, Chelsea attempted to play their way out of defence and lost the ball in midfield. Phil Foden ran in on goal and laid the ball to Aguero on the edge of the box. The Argentine put his left foot through it and there was nothing Willy Caballero could do.

Unfortunately from this point, there was little else in the game as it began to take on the appearance of just another pre-season friendly. Wembley was baking in the August sun and there were frequent drinks breaks, but but between them it seemed City were content to pass the ball around the back four.

Half time came and went and the second goal came with half an hour left on the clock. A fluid City counter attack was converted again by Aguero, who scored his 200th and 201st goals in a Manchester City shirt in this game.

Most players who have been away, with the exception of de Brunye, were given brief run outs to find their legs before the season begins in earnest - among them Willian and Gabriel Jesus who have just returned from Brazil duty.

For Pep Guardiola another trophy is being brought back to the north west, while Sarri will have been given some food for thought. City looked far from their potent best, but in truth that was never really asked of them. Sarri famously does not have much time for the transfer window, but with only four days remaining he might need to make one last foray.

 

5 August 2018