The talking points as Manchester City took on Sevilla in Athens for the UEFA Super Cup.
Pep's Sevilla warnings proved right in 48 seconds Pep Guardiola was keen to stress that for all the turbulence at Sevilla this summer, they have a winning identity in Europe and shouldn't be underestimated. Last season he declared himself envious of Sevilla's European heritage, before they dropped into the Europa League to win the competition again and book their place in the Super Cup.
Foden gets chance at no.10 In the first game since Kevin De Bruyne's injury, it was Phil Foden preferred as the number ten over Julian Alvarez - who usually gets the nod. Bernardo Silva was injured, but it's significant that Guardiola opted for Foden after downplaying his chances in midfield whenever asked recently. Foden excelled there in the Champions League final and played centrally in pre-season, until the mood changed from Guardiola - even after De Bruyne's injury.
Should we be surprised, then, that Gvardiol started against Sevilla and Foden was included in the 'number ten' role behind Erling Haaland? In fairness to the manager, John Stones and Ruben Dias weren't ready, and City had accepted a bid for Aymeric Laporte earlier in the day, meaning Gvardiol was required to step in. Guardiola also reinforced before the match that Gvardiol still needed time on the training ground.
Assuming Guardiola meant to say that he wanted Palmer to do the simple things in Athens, the youngster followed those instructions well. He wasn't perfect on the right, but was often followed by three defenders and had to check back. When he would be ineffective in similar situations last season, he persisted and was a constant menace to the Sevilla defence, forcing two good saves from his left foot.
City snapped up Croatian pair Mateo Kovacic and Josko Gvardiol from Chelsea and RB Leipzig respectively, while Treble winners Ilkay Gundogan departed for Barcelona and Riyad Mahrez moved to Saudi Arabia. Aymeric Laporte's future at the club is now a hot topic too after City accepted an offer from Al Nassr for his services. Keep an eye on that one over the next couple of days.
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