The 2023 English Super Cup match took place quite attractive and dramatic. However, it took until the second half to get a goal.
In the 77th minute, Palmer cut the left leg to open the score for Man City. In the 90th +9th minute, Trossard shot the ball, hit Akanji and went straight into the net of Man City, racing the match into the penalty shootout.
In the penalty game, two Man City players, De Bruyne and Rodri, missed shots while all four Arsenal players succeeded.
Arsenal won 4-1 in the penalty shootout and won the 2023 Super Cup title.
Here are our ratings of the Man City players’ performances
Ortega:
Made two good saves in the first half to stop Arsenal taking the lead, and had little to do after that. Charged down twice in possession though. 7
Walker:
Captained the team again despite Bayern’s offer and gave his usual commitment. 7
Dias:
A few sloppy passes but marshalled the defence and looks ready to be an important player again. 6
Stones:
One tremendous block at one end and a good header at the other in a performance that was less box-to-box than perhaps expected. 7
Akanji:
Struggled to handle Bukayo Saka at times – a difficult challenge, granted – and will be grateful for easier assignments to come. Unfortunate with the deflection 5
Rodri:
Nearly chipped Ramsdale a la Onana and went close from distance, but also gave away possession too many times. 6
Kovacic:
A tidy start from the new signing, slotting into midfield and being happy to carry the ball albeit being heavily marked. 7
Alvarez:
A few nice bursts, although outdone by the substitutes in a way that suggests he may not hold down a place. 6
Bernardo:
Played better once he moved into midfield in the second half, and looks fit for another marathon campaign. 6
Grealish:
Barely involved in the first half and an inviting cross after the break couldn’t save him from an early substitution. 5
Haaland:
A few nice touches but very little service as City struggled to create anything meaningful. 5
Substitutes
Foden (for Grealish, 57):
Had a hand in one goal and almost scored a second. 8
Palmer (for Haaland, 64):
A wonderful goal, having been denied minutes earlier. 7
De Bruyne (for Kovacic, 64):
The best player in the game, doing more in 30 minutes than anyone else in 90. Best to stay off penalties though. 8
