BREAKING NEWS: “His performance in the pre-season has been impressive, earning him a place in the starting lineup. I plan to give him more playing time,” said Pep Guardiola, hinting that he may have found a new first-team starter after just two games of their pre-season tour.

On Saturday, around 80,000 spectators gathered at Yankee Stadium to witness the performance of Norwegian star Erling Haaland. While Haaland, known for his scoring prowess, did not disappoint by netting a goal, the real standout was his compatriot, Oscar Bobb.

Bobb shone throughout the game, contributing another assist, bringing his tally to three in two games, along with a goal he previously scored against Celtic.

Meanwhile, Haaland, consistently in form even during the pre-season, has also scored twice in two games, signaling a promising season ahead.

Bobb’s impressive performances in the United States echo his standout displays in Asia the previous year. Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has expressed confidence in Bobb’s abilities, suggesting that his form negates the need for additional signings.

Bobb’s reputation grew last season due to his clever maneuvering in tight situations, a skill he’s honed and showcased effectively, particularly in one-on-one scenarios.

This skillset was on display when he provided a perfect assist for Haaland, thrilling the crowd as he deftly maneuvered the ball.

The partnership between Bobb and Haaland has been particularly fruitful, with four of Manchester City’s five pre-season goals arising from their collaboration. Their understanding on the field has been crucial, especially as many of Guardiola’s star forwards are still on vacation.

However, despite the attacking prowess, defensive issues were apparent, as Guardiola was visibly frustrated with the performance of young full-backs Rico Lewis and Callum Doyle, who struggled to contain crosses from Samuel Chukwueze, leading to goals by Lorenzo Colombo.These defensive lapses, particularly affecting goalkeeper Ederson, who made notable saves but also errors, were a concern for Guardiola.

Ederson’s role remains crucial, despite a shaky outing that saw him concede three goals before being substituted for Scott Carson. In contrast, Mikael Hamilton, introduced at halftime, made a positive impact by assisting McAtee’s equalizer, reinforcing Guardiola’s decision to retain him.

The predominantly City-supporting crowd of 46,000 at Yankee Stadium, including notable attendees like Milan manager Paolo Fonseca and former footballer Zlatan Ibrahimovic, underscored the international appeal of the game.While Haaland’s star power was evident, it was Bobb who consistently delivered standout performances, solidifying his position as a key player for Manchester City in the pre-season.