No matter what other accomplishments Micah Hamilton may have in his career, his debut with Manchester City will always be remembered fondly, especially the 19-minute mark.
The 20-year-old captain of the elite development squad sprinted in from the right, receiving a pass from Matheus Nunes. Despite being at a difficult angle, he smashed the ball past Omri Glazer, causing Hamilton to erupt in joy. He then ran towards a corner of the Rajko Mitic Stadium, where his teammates Nunes, Rico Lewis, Kalvin Phillips, and other star players from City’s team mobbed him. This young player from Crumpsall had joined the club at the age of nine and his goal was celebrated by his teammates.
“I am thrilled to have scored on my first performance. It hasn’t fully registered yet, but I am processing it,” Hamilton stated.
Due to City already securing a spot in the knockout phase as winners of Group G, there was no risk involved in their match, making it a low-stakes affair. However, there was a heartwarming moment when Hamilton scored, leading to photos circulating on social media of him six years ago receiving instructions from Pep Guardiola as a ballboy during a match against Crystal Palace.
The manager was reminded of the encounter when shown an image. “I had no idea,” he exclaimed. “Six years ago? That’s incredible. What a remarkable achievement! I’m thrilled for him. He has been training with us frequently, and we have witnessed his impressive 1-v-1 skills and his fantastic goal and penalty.”
If this was fairytale stuff then memorable, too, was Oscar Bobb after the hour matching Hamilton’s first senior strike. In a 13th appearance, the Norwegian danced from midfield through a backpedalling Red Star rearguard to beat Glazer, unloading close to the six-yard box.
Even though the game was essentially just a practice session, Guardiola still expected the team to maintain high standards. So when Cherif Ndiaye made a run towards City’s goal early on, seeing John Stones defend and guide the forward away from Stefan Ortega’s goal would have satisfied him. However, after Hamiliton scored and brought jubilation to City and their 1,200 devoted fans, the “Delige” – Red Star supporters – also experienced their own excitement, but without any successful outcome.
In a crowded stadium, with its oval-shaped bowl and running track separating the field from the spectators, Kosta Nedeljkovic sprinted down the right side. He skillfully evaded Sergio Gómez and created a curved, left-footed shot that ultimately missed its mark.
Gómez was in a back four that had Manuel Akanji and Stones at its centre and Lewis moving into midfield from right-back to support Phillips. The latter was in City’s lineup for only the second time this season – and perhaps the last time should he depart next month in search of the minutes required before England’s tilt at the European Championship.
“I am uncertain about Phillips’ future,” stated Guardiola. “With numerous games remaining until January, my hope is that he will contribute to our team.”
Jack Grealish was substituted for Phil Foden in the second half. Foden took over Hamilton’s position on the right side and Hamilton moved to the left. Shortly after, Hamilton had a close chance for another goal with a curved shot from the left side that narrowly missed.
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After Jovan Mijatovic, on as a substitute, hit the base of Ortega’s right post, Red Star struck via Hwang In‑beom, who got away from Phillips to beat City’s keeper. This was greeted with home delirium and what sounded like a small bomb going off but, five minutes from the end, there was another nice moment for City when Phillips converted from the penalty spot – Hamilton having won it.
At the end, Aleksandar Katai scored Red Star’s second goal, providing consolation as City became the second English team to win all six of their group stage matches.
The only downside was the attack on the fans of the champions on Tuesday night, resulting in hospitalization. However, they were able to be discharged later.
The club released a statement expressing their worry over an assault on their supporters in Belgrade. They are collaborating with the local authorities to offer extra security guidance and assistance to those attending tonight’s game.
However, this did not ruin Hamilton and Bobb’s night. In fact, with a total of five players from their own youth program on the field at the end of the game – including Lewis, Foden, and substitute Mahamadou Susoho – the win holds special significance for the club’s development of young talent.
Guardiola praised the academy for their recent success in producing and selling players to the Premier League and Championship.
Source: theguardian.com
