Reijnders Shines, Trafford Debuts

Manchester City wrapped up their pre-season campaign with a commanding 3–0 victory over Palermo at the Renzo Barbera Stadium in Sicily. The match, part of Palermo’s 125th anniversary celebrations, also served as a reunion between long-time friends Pep Guardiola and Filippo Inzaghi, adding a sentimental layer to the fixture.

 Match Highlights: Palermo vs Manchester City

 Trafford’s Debut and Early Pressure

• James Trafford, City’s £27M summer signing from Burnley, made his debut in goal. Despite a shaky start and a few nervy moments under pressure, he recovered well and made key saves to keep Palermo at bay.

⚡ 25′ — Haaland Opens the Scoring

• Erling Haaland broke the deadlock with a clinical finish from the edge of the box, assisted by Rayan Cherki, who impressed with his vision and ball control.

 Half-Time Overhaul

• Guardiola made a full squad change at the break, with only Haaland staying on briefly. The second-half lineup featured Tijjani Reijnders, Savinho, Doku, and Ederson, among others.

🎯 59′ & 82′ — Reijnders’ Brace

• Tijjani Reijnders, City’s new midfield signing from AC Milan, scored his first goal with a composed finish after a slick pass from Savinho.
• He added a second in the 82nd minute, latching onto a flick from Divine Mukasa and finishing in the same corner.
• Reijnders nearly completed his hat-trick in the dying moments but tripped after rounding the goalkeeper.

 Tactical Breakdown: City’s Depth and Fluidity

 Midfield Evolution

• Rayan Cherki dominated the first half with 70 touches and 61 passes, showing he could be a creative force in replacing Kevin De Bruyne.
• Reijnders offered a different profile — intelligent off-ball movement and clinical finishing — suggesting Guardiola may use both in rotation or tandem.

Defensive Solidity

• Despite early pressure, City’s backline of Stones, Khusanov, and Aït-Nouri settled quickly.
• Second-half substitutes Dias, Aké, and Akanji ensured Palermo had few clear chances.

Trafford’s Redemption

• After a nervy start, Trafford made crucial saves, including a header from Joel Pohjanpalo, and showed promise as Ederson’s understudy.

What’s Next: City vs Wolves – August 16, 2025

Manchester City kick off their Premier League campaign against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux Stadium on Saturday, August 16 at 17:30 UK time.

Key Storylines

• City’s new midfield duo of Cherki and Reijnders will be tested against Wolves’ 3-4-2-1 system.
• Wolves’ danger man Jørgen Strand Larsen, who scored 14 goals last season, will challenge City’s defense.
• Rayan Aït-Nouri, now a City player, will face his former club in a potentially emotional return.

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