Man City vs Man United: Key talking points as City beat United to lift the community shield

New Delhi: It was a wonderful game of football where Manchester City outclassed their neighbours Manchester United after the match reached the penalty shootouts after a 1-1 draw, full time. City managed to beat United 7-6 in a massive penalty shootout to win the Community Shield. After a thrilling opening exchange between the two teams, Garnacho appeared to have won it for United with a beautiful low attempt that started with some excellent work from captain Fernandes. However, City were persistant in their attacking and were rewarded with a late equalizer when Silva outmuscled Pellistri in the air to force extra time.

Although United played better as the first half went on and also had a chance to score via Diallo, City had a strong start to the game and came near through McAtee, who struck the post. The champions of England dominated the possession game in the second half, but United had considerably more opportunities to counter attack as with 10 minutes remaining, Rashford struck the post which proved to be a costly miss for the Red Devils. However, unfortunately for Manchester United, Sancho and Evans both missed their penalties during the shootout, to hand City the Community shield.

Manchester United’s solid defence

Manchester United’s defence looked solid throughout out the game and it was Lisandro Martinez who led the line with confidence and real determination. They were cautious throughout the game and rarely made any sort of defensive error which showed how disciplined the players were on the pitch. Martinez leading the backline from the left back position turned out to be a decent move for Erik Ten Hag’s side as they remained composed and resisted the City pressure pretty well.

This is a clear sign of improvement and the early signs of Rene Hake effect are clearly evident. Overall, the signs are looking good for Manchester United as they look much more confident than the previous season, and with their latest additions of Mathhjis De Ligt and Mazaroui, it can be said that the team is doing a good job.

United’s lacking in finishing

Manchester United have a new problem now. As good as the backline looked, it was quite the opposite up front with United attackers missing out on numerous chances proving how bad the finishing was. Marcus Rashford looked nowhere close to his best as the sharpness was just not there for the Englishman. Besides, it was surprising to see Zirkzee out of the picture as Eric Ten Hag decided not to bring his newest signing onto the pitch to give him some playing time. After all, this is the guy who scored 11 goals in Serie A and has the confidence to go up front to challenge the opposition defence.

However, United need to have a look at this new problem, as their newest assistant coach Ruud Van Nistelroy, who was himself a prolific striker during his time, needs to do his part in trying to sort this issue out.

City products doing their job well

The future of Manchester City looks to be in safe hands as this game truly proved how good their academy products are and their audacity to play against a top side like Manchester United. Oscar Bobb looked lively throughout the game and yet again proved his worth to the team as he managed to get himself an assist that actually saved City in the dying minutes. Besides, James McAtee and Nico O’Riley also had a more than a decent performance and their lack of experience didn’t phase them a bit as they showed great calibre and heart to go toe to toe against a very good United side.

 Manchester City lift the Community shield as they defeat their neighbours Manchester United after a long penalty shootout.  Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today