De Bruyne then stung the palms of Mannone with a free kick, but City’s lack of cutting edge soon came back to haunt them as Sunderland levelled things up against the run of play.
Advertisement
Guardiola’s blushes were spared with a little help from the other half of Manchester, though, as McNair, who joined from United earlier this week, marked his debut with an own goal as Jesus Navas’s cross bounced in off his head.
Moyes gave new signing Donald Love and American Lynden Gooch their first starts in the Premier League, and said the young players would be key for the club this season.
The Spaniard signaled the changes with his very first starting lineup.
Sunderland held their nerve following Sergio Aguero’s early penalty, limiting a star-studded City side to few chances.
But while Guardiola has not denied this is how he would like a goalkeeper to play, he insists Hart – who joined up for pre-season training later than others after worldwide duty – could still be his choice. He’s a fighter. Of course we want more of him, but I’m very happy, he’s a very nice guy. There were a couple of actions that we’ll work on and improve on.
Missing out on the first game of the Guardiola era will be huge concern for 29-year-old Hart who was blamed in some quarters for England’s exit against Iceland at Euro 2016.
There were innovations. Players in new positions.
Along with the missed opportunities in front of goal, Ranieri said a lack of teamwork meant his team was second-best on the day. “The effort was wonderful, but individual effort – not as a team”. “I think Willy make a good pre-season – really, really good”, Guardiola said.
But with the Euros behind us now and the Premier League season back, all eyes were on how Sterling would perform for Manchester City in their first game, or whether he’d start.
Hull, with Mike Phelan in the role of caretaker manager after Steve Bruce left in July, had been struggling in the run-up to Saturday’s match. We have spent a lot of time working in training.
“But all credit to the football players”. They have a lot of experience.
But Sunderland carved out a chance for themselves on 11 minutes when Caballero’s weak clearance fell to Duncan Watmore, he fed Fabio Borini who played in Gooch to his left and the USA Under 20 global slid a low ball across the face of goal, but there was no-one there to apply the finish.
Ten-man Watford held on to draw 1-1 at Southampton following substitute Ben Watson’s 75th-minute dismissal.
Leroy Fer scored Swansea’s late victor against Burnley and a header from West Brom’s Salomon Rondon gave the visitors their victory at Crystal Palace.
Advertisement
Chelsea hosts West Ham in a London derby on Monday night.
