Manchester City began their pre-season tour of the United States with a narrow 4-3 defeat to Celtic in North Carolina. The match, held at Kenan Memorial Stadium, saw City fall behind in the first half despite a goal from Oscar Bobb.
Celtic’s Nicolas Kuhn scored twice before the break, and Kyogo Furuhashi added another, giving the Scottish side a 3-1 lead. City’s response came in the second half with goals from Maximo Perrone and Erling Haaland, leveling the score briefly. However, Celtic secured the win with a late goal from substitute Luis Palma.
The match was marked by City’s strong mix of experienced players and promising academy talents. Jahmai Simpson-Pusey, Jadel Katongo, Joel Ndala, and Nico O’Reilly all made their senior debuts, highlighting a positive aspect of the game.
City’s starting lineup featured a blend of seasoned internationals and emerging stars, including O’Reilly, who nearly scored early on. Despite some bright moments, City struggled to maintain their defensive solidity, which ultimately led to their defeat.
The game showcased both the strengths and areas for improvement as City prepares for the upcoming season.
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