Manchester City rounded off their pre-season tour of Asia with a 3-1 friendly victory over Atletico Madrid, with Omar Marmoush scoring twice and Rayan Ait-Nouri adding a late third. The win was achieved without Erling Haaland, who is set to return to training next week after an extended break following Norway's run to the World Cup quarter-finals.
New system shows promise
Under new coach Enzo Maresca, City have shown attacking intent, with wingers Antoine Semenyo and Savinho impressing. Semenyo was particularly effective, crashing in from the left flank and providing crosses for Marmoush's goals. The team created several good chances in the first half but failed to convert, only to be rewarded around the hour mark when Marmoush scored twice, the second from an offside position that angered Atletico players.
Haaland's return looms
Haaland's absence was felt, as his movement in the box is unrivalled. His return is eagerly anticipated, as the team's focus on creating chances for the striker could lead to more goals. If Haaland gets lots of chances, he scores lots of goals, and if he scores lots of goals, his team wins matches. This carries some risk, but the potential is exciting.
City are still in the early stages under Maresca, with seven key players absent during the three weeks of training. The win over Atletico, their toughest friendly, adds to the positive feeling as they look to move on from the Pep Guardiola era. A defeat in the Community Shield against Arsenal next weekend would matter only slightly, as City appear to be adapting quickly to their new coach's methods.
