Palermo 0-3 Manchester City: Highlights, man of the match, stats as Tijjani Reijnders steals show in pre-season friendly win

James Trafford made his first start as Manchester City rounded out their pre-season preparations with a 3-0 win over fellow City Football Group club Palermo at Renzo Barbera on Saturday evening.

I Rosanero had the better of the early minutes, but the inevitable Erling Haaland opened the scoring with 25 minutes on the clock after some fine work from Rico Lewis.

Just moments later, Trafford was called into action to save a header from Joel Pohjanpalo, keeping the Citizens ahead at the interval.

Both managers made changes at half time, but Pep Guardiola brought on a whole new XI that included the likes of Ederson between the sticks and familiar faces such as Ruben Dias and Nathan Ake in the backline.

Substitute Tijjani Reijnders, who joined City from AC Milan this summer, doubled the visitors' lead with a strike across the goalkeeper following a dangerous dribble from Savinho.

The goalscoring Netherlands midfielder then notched a second, timing his late run to perfection and picking out the bottom-left corner with ease to secure the win.

SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT

Guardiola revealed in a press conference earlier this week that Ballon d'Or winner Rodri has suffered an injury setback that is expected to keep him out until at least the first international break of the season in September.

Without the Spanish defensive midfielder to protect the Citizens, they could struggle to defend against the Premier League's strongest sides, especially when facing counterattacks.

On Saturday, Palermo may have lost the game - and the Anglo Palermitan trophy - but they produced some threatening moments despite having minimal possession, and if they had made more of their big chances in the first half, the scoreline could have been very different.

Filippo Inzaghi's club are celebrating their 125th anniversary in 2025-26, and they will be fighting to earn promotion to Serie A in the upcoming league campaign.

PALERMO VS. MANCHESTER CITY HIGHLIGHTS

Erling Haaland goal vs. Palermo (25th min, Palermo 0-1 Manchester City)

One touch. BANG! ?

Erling Haaland is inevitable ? pic.twitter.com/Yvpwx5OSic
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) August 9, 2025

Lewis picks up the ball in the left-back position, carries it across the backline and plays a one-two with Rayan Cherki before driving forward.

He then squares a pass to Haaland from the right-wing, and the Norwegian talisman fires a precise finish into the bottom-left corner with his right foot from the edge of the box.

Tijjani Reijnders goal vs. Palermo (59th min, Palermo 0-2 Manchester City)

Can't give Tijjani Reijnders too much space or time ? pic.twitter.com/Mqq61huvW4
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) August 9, 2025

Savinho dribbles up the right wing, taking on his full-back one-on-one, and once he pushes the defender into the 18-yard box, the Brazilian wide-man lays off a pass to Reijnders, who takes a touch to control it before firing a powerful strike low into the bottom-left corner across the goalkeeper.

Tijjani Reijnders goal vs. Palermo (82nd min, Palermo 0-3 Manchester City)

City recover the ball high on the right flank after it seemed that their move had broken down, and Divine Mukasa plays a disguised pass on the edge of the box that lands at the feet of the oncoming Reijnders, who carries it to the 12-yard spot before slotting into the bottom-left corner.

MAN OF THE MATCH - TIJJANI REIJNDERS

The 27-year-old midfielder has been touted as the potential successor to Ilkay Gundogan at City, and if his goalscoring prowess is anything to go by, then he is making a strong case for himself.

Reijnders showed his attacking instincts by netting twice in the second half, both from inside the box, and he is sure to be a potent weapon for Guardiola's side in 2025-26.

PALERMO VS. MANCHESTER CITY MATCH STATS

Possession: Palermo 29%-71% Manchester City

Shots: Palermo 8-13 Manchester City

Shots on target: Palermo 3-6 Manchester City

Corners: Palermo 4-3 Manchester City

Fouls: Palermo 13-10 Manchester City

WHAT NEXT?

Up next for Palermo is a Coppa Italia showdown against Cremonese on August 16, while Man City are set to kick off their Premier League campaign against Wolverhampton Wanderers on the same day.