Manchester City win Community Shield in first Guardiola v Sarri duel of the season
English Premier League champions Manchester City picked up their first trophy of the new season, as a brace from Sergio Aguero was enough for Pep Guardiola’s side to overcome Maurizio Sarri’s Chelsea at Wembley Stadium.
Sergio Aguero scored his 200th and 201st goals in Manchester City colors inside a sunny Wembley Stadium on Sunday, consigning new Chelsea boss Sarri to defeat in his first competitive game in charge of the Londoners.
City looked the stronger, more cohesive unit throughout. Aguero, as ever, was a constant threat and will consider himself unlucky not to have added a third strike to his tally, but Chelsea goalkeeper Willy Caballero, arguably the best player for his team, proved an effective barrier for what could have been a rout for Guardiola’s men.
Sarri, the new managerial import from Napoli, will be aware of the scale of the operation he has assumed control over. Chelsea’s defenders, and in particular David Luiz, appeared uncomfortable with the high line they were being asked to play.
The absence of Eden Hazard and N’Golo Kante hurt Chelsea’s cohesion but the reality was that City looked every inch the side who coasted to the Premier League title last season, and this performance has fired a considerable shot across the bows of their presumed title rivals in the upcoming season.
Social media users were quick to praise City - in particular young midfielders Phil Foden and Bernardo Silva, who both put in assured displays.
Foden played like he's been with the team for a long timeBernado is a good backup for Silva and KdB in the middle. Shouldn't be on the wingMendy's stamina in the last 10 mins is impressiveAguero remains Aguero.
— Prime Mover (@Sleeky_Prince_) August 5, 2018
Phil Foden has the potential to become a world class player. Never seen an English player with so much flair and magical touches. Academy finally paying off. 👏
— Guardiolista (@Guardiolista07) August 5, 2018
Others felt that Chelsea still need time to gel under Sarri and take on the Italian's style of play.
It was a game btw, work of two years vs work of two weeks. Sarri has quite a lot to do with the average squad he has. Tough season ahead. #CommunityShield
— ZK (@ZaaviarKhan) August 5, 2018
Top 4 and maybe EFL Cup or Europa would be a good first season for Sarri. Remember, Pep's first season was also lackluster (and I really believed he was a fraud lol what a dumbass)
— Roland Uy (@rolanduy) August 5, 2018
City class. Hard to be too critical of Chelsea given Sarri has only had two weeks with this squad, but maybe a slight pity we saw none of his imprints after what seemed some progress in preseason. City just didn't let them.
— Miguel Delaney (@MiguelDelaney) August 5, 2018
Will like to see Kante alongside Jorginho before rating this Chelsea midfield. One more wideman needed to complete the squad. Then patience to watch Sarri stamp his identity on the team
— Oladayo (@oladayo01) August 5, 2018
