Manchester City finally broke their recent streak of misfortune in the FA Community Shield, where they had lost three successive outings, by triumphing over Manchester United in a dramatic penalty shootout.
The match was a tense affair that kept fans on the edge of their seats, with City ultimately emerging victorious after a 7-6 win on penalties.
The match seemed to be heading toward another disappointing result for City when Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho broke the deadlock in the 82nd minute. Garnacho’s late goal had Manchester United on the brink of victory, and it looked like Erik ten Hag’s side would repeat their triumph over City from the FA Cup final in May. However, Manchester City’s young talent, Oscar Bobb, had other plans.
Oscar Bobb, who had impressed during pre-season, was rewarded with a start in the Manchester Derby by Pep Guardiola. The £50,000-a-week winger did not disappoint, as he produced a moment of magic just when City needed it most. In the 89th minute, Bobb turned past United’s tough-tackling defender Lisandro Martinez and delivered a pinpoint cross into the box. Bernardo Silva, ever the reliable playmaker, met the cross with a precise header that found the back of the net, leveling the score and forcing the game into a penalty shootout.
The match then headed straight to penalties, where it was Manuel Akanji who sealed City’s victory. Akanji showed nerves of steel as he stepped up to take his spot-kick, blasting the ball down the middle to secure a 7-6 win for Manchester City. The victory not only gave City their first trophy of the 2024/2025 season but also ended their frustrating run in the FA Community Shield.
However, it was Bobb’s brilliance on the right wing that truly stood out. Without his late-game heroics, Manchester City could have easily succumbed to another defeat at the hands of their fierce rivals. Bobb’s performance was a clear indication of his potential and why Guardiola has so much faith in him.
Pep Guardiola, who has seen his fair share of world-class talent, was full of praise for the young Norwegian international after the match. “Oscar [Bobb] made a fantastic game, like all pre-season,” Guardiola said, acknowledging Bobb’s impact not only in the Community Shield but also throughout the summer preparations.
The statistics from the match paint a clear picture of just how influential Bobb was against Manchester United. According to Squawka Live, Bobb had five touches in the opposition box, delivered four crosses, won possession four times, created three chances, took one shot, and provided the crucial assist for Silva’s goal. These numbers highlight his all-around contribution and show why he was Manchester City’s brightest spark in a match that saw both teams create plenty of chances.
Bobb’s performance didn’t go unnoticed by pundits either. Graeme Souness, known for his critical eye, had previously praised Bobb as a “fabulous” player, and the youngster certainly lived up to that billing on Saturday. His ability to influence the game in key moments and his willingness to take on defenders made him a standout performer in a match filled with experienced stars.
Guardiola was particularly impressed by Bobb’s unique ability to beat defenders from a standing position, a skill that sets him apart from many of his peers. “He has something unique,” Guardiola noted. “Stop, being quiet, done in movement, first two steps, right or left are unbelievable. The goal itself, the action, he has done it, he’s behind the ball and how he turns and makes the cross is a huge quality.”]
Despite this praise, Guardiola also emphasized that Bobb still has room for growth. He believes that the young winger needs to become more fearless and assertive in the final third to fully realize his potential. “We want more,” Guardiola insisted. “I think in the actions, in the final third, he has to do [a more direct action] more regularly. Sometimes, he has the chance to take the ball and go and he’s a little bit passive.”
This critique from Guardiola is more of a challenge than a criticism. He recognizes Bobb’s immense talent but knows that to reach the highest level, consistency and confidence in the final third are key. Guardiola stressed Bobb’s work ethic, intensity in pressing, and defensive understanding, describing these as “incredible values” that complement his attacking flair. However, the Manchester City manager is eager to see Bobb develop these qualities even further as he continues to mature as a player.
The skill that Guardiola discussed—Bobb’s ability to burst past defenders in one-on-one situations—was on full display against Manchester United. Time and again, he managed to outmaneuver Lisandro Martinez, using his quick feet and agility to create space for himself. In the first half, Bobb even ventured into central positions, where he dribbled past multiple United players with ease, showcasing his versatility and close control.
For Manchester City, Bobb’s performance in the Community Shield is a promising sign of what’s to come. If he can heed Guardiola’s advice and become more uninhibited in the final third, there’s no telling how high his ceiling could be. With the new Premier League season on the horizon, City fans will be excited to see how Bobb continues to develop under Guardiola’s tutelage.
In summary, Manchester City’s victory in the FA Community Shield was a testament to the team’s resilience and depth. While the penalty shootout ultimately decided the winner, it was Oscar Bobb’s moment of magic that kept City in the game. His performance not only earned him praise from Pep Guardiola but also provided a glimpse of the bright future that lies ahead for the young Norwegian at the Etihad.
