Rice serves up top display but Irons beaten

Irons 0 Man City 3

I won’t remember this game because of a defeat or falling victim to a world class side but for a young man who amazes me every time I see him – that lad is Declan Rice.

He came on as a second half sub, playing in front of the back line, and was entirely at ease – looking composed, calm and constructive on a very tough afternoon.

Welcome to the big time Declan and after this pre season I can see no earthly reason why Slaven Bilic should not select you for the opening Premier League match at Old Trafford.

I recall seeing Bobby Moore enter top flight football as a very young man and I feel privileged to have seen this Academy product make his so self assured early steps in claret and blue.

Not many would disagree HE IS READY!

I’ll also remember this game for Joe Hart who was shouting at his back four throughout and finding the time to make a series of fine stops as the super talented City players stepped up their game. This man is gonna be great for us.

I’ll also remember it for Javier Hernandez who gave us great passing, lovely running and that wonderful eye for goal when we did finally escape the defensive shackles.

Pedro Obiang too deserves a top word of recognition and at last we saw Andre Ayew  show some real potential in an Irons shirt.

For the record the goals came from Gabriel Jesus, Sergio Aguero and Raheem Sterling and although Marko Arnautovic left the action after taking a knock, the very early report is that he doesn’t look too bad.

The game took exactly the form most of us would expect with City dominating possession as they completed a hat trick of victories with Real Madrid and Spurs their previous victims.

Yes, it would have nice to have got closer to them but lets take the positives from this one and move on.