Shaun Goater has given his verdict on how Oscar Bobb performed in his full Premier League debut.
Manchester City ran out 1-0 winners over Brentford on Tuesday night, completing a double over the team that did a double over them last year.
However, they were once again made to work hard by the Bees and the breakthrough only came late on.
City had dominated possession and had plenty of shots but it wasn’t until a slip in defence allowed for Erling Haaland to run through and stick the ball away in the 71st minute.
The return to winning ways has seen Pep Guardiola’s side jump up to second place and within a point of league leaders Liverpool.
Oscar Bobb makes his full Premier League debut
Bobb has been the breakout star of the season for City after being promoted from the Elite Development Squad to the first team.
The 20-year-old has played 17 times so far this season, scoring twice – including a peach against Newcastle United – but Tuesday’s match was his first Premier League start.
Goater was left impressed by his performance. Speaking on City’s Matchday Live show, the former striker said: “I thought it was a mature game.
“Sometimes as a youngster coming in and playing games here and there you think I’ve got to impress but sometimes impressing is choosing your right moments.
“I thought he done that, in terms of receiving, taking the player, go to the by-line, pull it back.
“Perhaps didn’t find [the good pass] as many as he wanted to but again it was these times when he went: no, this is not the time, we’ll keep it, we’ll go around the other side and opportunities open on the other side.
“I thought it was a mature performance from him. Good stuff.”
More to come
Bobb’s first league start lasted just 61 minutes and while it wasn’t dazzling, he proved he belongs in the side.
Brentford are extremely ticky opposition and Guardiola would not have started him if he didn’t have faith in his talent. That faith was rewarded.
It’s still very early in Bobb’s career and there’s no saying where he could end up – who expected Cole Palmer to join Chelsea? – but there is certainly more to come.
