The $51 million summer signing failed to take advantage of some crucial opportunities as City was defeated by Liverpool in the Community Shield.
The two finest teams in the nation, Manchester City and Liverpool, are due to square off in the Premier League once more, and Jurgen Klopp's team has already established an early lead with their 3-1 triumph in the Community Shield.
At the King Power Stadium, City had somewhat of a new look because senior players Raheem Sterling, Gabriel Jesus, and Oleksandr Zinchenko had all left during the transfer window. However, the quality of the two teams hasn't changed despite the addition of new players for both Liverpool and City.
Erling Haaland made his debut for City with all eyes on him, and it wasn't the debut he wanted after missing many golden opportunities, including one in extra time.
Although an opportunity to win an early trophy was lost, attention is now on City's match against West Ham the following week and the start of their Premier League defense.
Julian Alvarez, The Winners
The Argentine's goal made it the ideal start to his new life in England, making him almost the forgotten man among City's recent arrivals. The goal mirrored Alvarez's powerful movement off the ball and demonstrated his deadly ability when given the chance. He might have a significant influence at the Etihad with the least amount of pressure of all the new faces.
Cucurella, Marc
There is nothing like a loss right before the transfer window closes to persuade football executives to relax their spending restrictions. While there is no indication that an agreement has been reached with Brighton, City has been without an orthodox left-back for a number of seasons. The addition of Cucurella to Guardiola's squad would give him more options and depth.
Erling Haaland's "The Losers"
Although City's star summer acquisition displayed a lot of powerful sprinting and clever movement, Haaland will eventually be assessed on goals. He made a few decent shots that were on goal, but late on he squandered a great opportunity when he hit the crossbar from close range. However, he won't face opponents as difficult as Virgil Van Dijk in his first game.
Mr. Stones
The absence of Stones, Ilkay Gundogan, and Phil Foden from City's preseason trip to the United States has made it difficult for the former for him to reenter Guardiola's squad. Despite Chelsea's interest, City's manager persuaded Nathan Ake to stay, and the Dutchman will get an opportunity to play. It appears that Ake, not Stones, will team up with Ruben Dias at West Ham because Aymeric Laporte is expected to miss the opening month of the season due to injury.
VAR
New season, same old VAR issues. The officials deliberated for over four minutes before deciding to give Alvarez's equalizer. In the meanwhile, awarding a handball against Ruben Dias was the proper choice in accordance with the current regulations,However, the defender who received the severe, game-changing penalty was merely two yards away from Darwin Nunez and was acting in a perfectly normal manner.
Ederson's defense rating for Man City is 6/10.
Although he had no chance with either of the goals, he made one excellent, albeit difficult, save to stop Darwin Nunez, despite the fact that his usual good distribution.
(Walker) 6/10
fought Luis Diaz hard and prevented the Colombian from generating too much.
Dias (6/10)
It was unfortunate to give away the crucial penalty, which ruined what would have been a strong effort.
Ake (6/10)
Despite accidentally deflecting Trent Alexander-incredible Arnold's first goal past Ederson, the left back started out steadily.
6/10 for Cancelo
Despite a sluggish start against the perilous Mo Salah, the attacker was vigorously supported by him as he responded to curb his influence.
Rodri in the middle (6/10)
With the exception of one footrace loss to the quick Diaz, it was always a big ask to patrol the center of midfield against Liverpool and stop their lightning breaks. However, it was effective.
7/10 for Bernardo Silva
The Portugal midfielder, who has been linked to Barcelona, has stated that he will always give everything to the team, and he did so once more with a hard-running display laced with brilliant touches.
7/10 for De Bruyne
The Belgian has had an outstanding preseason, and his quick thinking helped create City's best moments when he recognized Haaland and Riyad Mahrez's runs.
Mahrez assault (6/10)
had one terrific opportunity that he himself created with a deft touch, but he missed his attempt. He will have wished to have contributed more as the club's oldest remaining right winger.
5/10 for Haaland
Haaland will gain knowledge of the Premier League, according to Guardiola, but he could have done without the misses that will dominate his debut in England.
Greasable (6.5/10)
Despite being active in preseason, the winger found it difficult to make an impact in the last third of the field against City's top opponents.
Guardiola, manager & subs (6/10)
The City manager gives his players a longer summer break than most, but he started with a strong lineup to get his team ready for the new campaign. Substituting Phil Foden and Alvarez got his team back into the game, though attacking switches made them more susceptible to breaks.
7/10 for Alvarez
was incredibly quick when he entered the game and pounced to score City's equalizer, albeit the celebration was marred by Guardiola giving him stern instructions at the time the goal was awarded by VAR.
Foden (7/10)
In his first senior outing of the preseason, he appeared eager to contribute, and his deft run set up City's equalizer.
(6) Gundogan
There were no exciting finishes to the game this time, just a typical clean performance in the middle of midfield.
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