For the second summer in succession the Blues had the chance to down the reigning European champions but saw hope disappear over the horizon with the first half dismissal of Patrick Vieira. I must have been one of the few who didn't stay up until the early hours to catch the final game of the US tour, and from catching up on the reports this morning, didn't miss a performance that will live long in the memory as City fell to a comprehensive 3-0 defeat. The carding of Patrick Vieira appears to have rendered the game little more than a chasing exercise with Inter's quality in possesion allowing little or no opportunity to really get into the game.
I'm not one to place too much emphasis on the results or performances of pre-season games, given their purpose is effectively to get players up to speed and despite what looked to have been the strongest looking side that was fielded on the tour it was still a side shorn of the World Cup combatants Tevez, Silva, de Jong and Boateng.
I'm sure Roberto Mancini will be looking more at the final pair of games coming up this week as we may get more of an idea of the likely formation and selection he is looking at heading into the season.
That said, there is little encouragement that can be taken performance wise from the tour. With competition for places intensifying this season it is surprising that no player has really stepped forth to stake their claim.
Should there be cause for concern? I'd be interested in any thoughts in the comments section.