CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA - JULY 23: Luis Palma #7 of Celtic celebrates with teammates after a goal against Manchester City during the second half of their pre-season friendly match at Kenan Stadium on July 23, 2024 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
Celtic produced a minor shock in the early hours of Wednesday by beating Manchester City 4-3.
Nicolas Kuhn caught the eye with two goals that won’t do his confidence any harm following his January transfer from Rapid Vienna.
The German winger blew hot and cold as he adapted to his new club but scored twice in the first half to remind the English champions that the hoops take even friendlies seriously.
It was only a friendly match but any win against any Manchester City side has to be respected with Celtic 11 days away from starting their domestic campaign, at home to Kilmarnock.
It wouldn’t be City without Erling Haaland, the Norwegian did score in the 57th minute but had to settle for second best with Kyogo Furuhashi and Luis Palma Celtic’s other scorers.
Adding in the Champions League matches in season 2016/17 Brendan Rodgers has a three match unbeaten run against City as Celtic boss, the two clubs could meet again later this year in the new look eight match format for that competition.
On Saturday Celtic complete their pre-season preparations against Chelsea.
Celtic: Schmeichel (Sinisalo 46’), Ralston (Donovan 46’), Welsh (Lagerbielke 64’), Scales (Kobayashi 64’), Taylor, McGregor (C) (Anderson 64’), O’Riley, Hatate (Yang 64’), Kuhn (Forrest 46’), Maeda, Kyogo (Palma 64’).
Subs: Bain, Holm, Kwon, Tomoki, Lawal, Murray, Dede, Turley, M. Johnston.
City: Ortega Moreno (Ederson 46), Lewis (Katongo 64’), Simpson-Pusey, Mbete (Doyle 46’), Wilson-Esbrand (Katongo 64’), Phillips (Susoho 46’), O’Reilly (Perrone 46’), McAtee (Ndala 46’), Bobb, Grealish (Knight 68’), Haaland (C) (Hamilton 68’).
Subs: Carson, Wright, Galvez, Oboavwoduo, Heskey, Fatah, Mfuni, Samuel.
Have you noticed how low-key the SMSM is treating Celtic’s win over the brilliant Manchester City ? It’s the old arms behind the necks and yawning routine , petrified to actually praise the performance in the correct fashion in case certain readers and listeners are aghast with disapproval. Pathetic really ….