Manchester City have clinched their first title of the season. In the English Super Cup against Man United, the Skyblues scored a late equalizer – and then won on penalties
The English soccer public sometimes tends to frown upon their own Super Cup, known as the Community Shield, more as the last test match of preparation. And yet United did not exactly perform with the ease with which such a supposedly unimportant test of strength could be approached.
In the early stages, the serial champions did the same to the record champions, initially taking it easy. At some point, however, City shifted up a gear in terms of dynamism and dominance. Youngsters such as McAtee, O’Reilly and especially the lively Bobb wanted to know.
Bobb had the first real chance of the game (22′) and McAtee hit the post two minutes later. At this point, United were nothing more than spectators panting behind – and lucky on the scoreboard. But that was about to change.
After half an hour, the Red Devils took heart. They played much more courageously – and almost put their big city rivals to the sword at times. A wonderful attack initiated by Fernandes, perhaps the best of the first half, almost gave the underdogs the lead. However, the eye-catching Amad opted for another cross-field pass from just a few meters out – but it didn’t go in (33′). Rashford also missed a United lead that would not have been undeserved (37′).
Bernardo Silva twice in focus
United started the second half with more courage. This also applied to the sometimes error-prone flat build-up play from the very back, which ten Hag insisted on quite consistently. In the 55th minute, the ball then tapped into the net: Fernandes had scored, but offside. The celebrations quickly died down.
After an hour, it was time for a change. Savinho came on for City, Garnacho for United, and both got into action. However, Gvardiol almost scored from distance (64′). The Red Devils also became more dangerous in the second half, with Rashford also hitting the aluminum after a fine attack (76′). Six minutes later, the spell was broken: Garnacho cut inside from the right and scored with a low finish (82′). But Bernardo Silva, another joker, headed in the equalizer in the 89th minute.
After 90 minutes, not 120, there was a penalty shoot-out at Wembley Stadium. In the person of Bernardo Silva, City’s first shooter missed, but Sancho and later Evans also failed – for United. As City’s goalkeeper Ederson also scored, it was clear after Akanji’s converted effort that the first title of the season was heading for Manchester’s sky-blue section.