Pre-season Friendly: Sporting CP 2-0 Manchester City
English Club Manchester City faced Sporting from Portugal in game at the Red Bulls Arena. Two goals from Djalo in the first half proved to be decisive. Manchester City fielded a strong team despite some of their players being absent due to involvement in the World Cup.
It was the Welsh International Bellamy who had a chance early on in the 5th minute, as he raced down the right side, getting past Carrico and then shooting, but his effort was well saved by the Portuguese goalkeeper, Tiago.
The little Welshman got another chance in the 13th minute but once again failed to score after being set up by Jo. Bellamy’s effort looked to be heading for the goal but unfortunately for Manchester City it went just wide and Sporting breathed a sigh of relief.
The first goal of the game came in the 24th minute after very good work by Vukcevic. The Sporting midfielder made space on the right side and sent in a deep cross towards the penalty area. Djalo was quick to get ahead of his marker, Richards, and put the ball in the back of the net with a well placed header.
In the 39th minute it was two, as Djalo scored after an excellent passing move from the Portuguese side that produced some amazing football, delighting the fans who had come out to watch the game in New York.
It was Postiga who started the move, from the right once again, whose pass was chipped into the path of Djalo with the first touch by Saliero. Djalo made no mistake with the finish, rounding the keeper Joe Hart and calmly slotting the ball in the back of the net.
At half time, Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini made two changes as Cunningham and Lescott came off for Bridge and Onuoha.
Despite adding some experience to the team, Manchester City struggled to create good chances against a very well organized Sporting team who looked particularly dangerous when the ball was played through the right side. Vukcevic was constantly a threat and despite bringing on Wayne Bridge, the City defense struggled to cope with the pace and skill of the Sporting player who improved as the half wore on.
City looked like they were missing the likes of Carlos Tevez, Gareth Barry and de Jong as they failed to take control of the game. Then Manchester club got their first corner of the game in the 64th minute, which showed the bluntness of their attack, but they failed to test the Sporting goalkeeper, as the danger was averted.
Next up for Sporting is a game against Tottenham Hotspurs on Sunday, whereas Manchester City will be playing the New York Red Bulls. For Sporting, the game against Spurs is likely to be a much tougher test as the North London club, as they have most of their players available. Manchester City will be hoping that their poor start to the pre-season friendlies stops when some of their players return, including the new signing from Valencia, David Silva.
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