In a thrilling Premier League clash at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester City overcame an early goal to secure a 3-1 victory over Chelsea on Saturday. The match saw a rocky start for City’s new defender, Abdukodir Khusanov, whose early error allowed Chelsea to take the lead.
Khusanov, a recent signing from Lens, made his debut under intense scrutiny. His unfortunate mistake, where he let the ball bounce over him and under-hit his header, resulted in Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson assisting Noni Madueke’s opener. The defender faced further challenges, receiving a yellow card for a challenge on Cole Palmer before being substituted in the second half by John Stones.
Despite the setback, Manchester City showcased resilience. New signing Omar Marmoush was a constant threat upfront, causing headaches for Chelsea’s defense. The turning point came when Josko Gvardiol capitalized on a rebound to equalize just before halftime, reigniting City’s momentum.
The home side took control in the second half, with Erling Haaland scoring the decisive goal after spotting Chelsea’s goalkeeper out of position. Haaland then set up Phil Foden, who deftly maneuvered past defenders to seal the win for City.
With this victory, Pep Guardiola’s squad climbs to fourth place in the table with 41 points, trailing leaders Liverpool by 12 points but staying ahead of Chelsea, who drop to sixth with 40 points.
Haaland reflected on the win, emphasizing the team’s perseverance and attacking spirit. Guardiola praised his players’ unity and support for the young defender, highlighting the importance of learning from mistakes.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
