Fans from across the world tuned in to witness the return of Manchester City, who kicked off their pre-season tour of the US with a 2-1 victory against Club América.
The Sky Blues supporters were all smiles throughout the contest, with Kevin De Bruyne stealing the show with a brilliant brace to clinch the contest.
Other reasons behind the buzz included the club’s enviable batch of youngsters getting a runout such as Josh Wilson-Esbrand, Cole Palmer, James McAtee, Liam Delap, Rico Lewis and Kayky.
The excitement was palpable in particular due to the fresh faces such as Julian Alvarez, Stefan Ortega and Kalvin Phillips looking right at home in a City shirt.
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However, the viewers across the globe were left awaiting the arrival of Erling Haaland, who remained the star attraction at the NRG Stadium.
While many expected the Norwegian to make his much-awaited debut for Pep Guardiola’s side, it was not to be as he was sat watching his teammates showcase their class in Houston.
Many were left unsurprised as there were murmurs in the build-up to the clash that the youngster was deemed not fully fit to make an appearance against the Mexican side.
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However, every City supporter has been left wondering what the status remains around their prized asset’s fitness currently.
As the Premier League champions are now gearing up to face Bayern Munich, Guardiola gave a timely update on when Haaland can be expected back on the pitch.
“Next game, he’ll be ready," he revealed.
"He had niggles, we don’t want to take risks, maybe against Bayern, we will see”
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The Catalan coach continued, “He made two sessions, we don’t want to take risks. The season is so long; we will have time, don’t worry.
"He had some problems at Dortmund last season but we try to handle it, it’s not a big issue.
"We want to take care of them. When we come back, we want to be fit; the player has to be fit to be ready. It will come.”
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With the Sky Blues largely operating without a natural striker for the past two seasons, the ex-Borussia Dortmund number nine has been brought in to be the side’s focal point for years to come.
Considering City aim to emerge triumphant on separate fronts in what is set to be a gruelling season, the last thing they seem to have in mind is rushing Haaland back to full fitness - especially considering his patchy injury record since last term.
Other new signings impressed against Club América, with Julian Alvarez proving he can contribute in the final third.
Topics: Manchester City, Pep Guardiola, Erling Haaland, Premier League
Srinivas Sadhanand