
Manchester City overcame an early setback to secure a commanding 3-1 Premier League victory over Chelsea, extending the Blues’ winless streak against the reigning champions to 11 matches (D2, L9).
The game began disastrously for City debutant Abdukodir Khusanov, the first Uzbekistani to feature in the Premier League, whose defensive error gifted Chelsea an early lead.
Three minutes in, Khusanov misjudged a looping ball, inadvertently heading it into the path of Nicolas Jackson. Jackson swiftly squared it for Noni Madueke to tap into an empty net, putting Chelsea ahead.
The visitors could have doubled their advantage soon after, but Cole Palmer’s pass pushed Jackson too wide to capitalise on a promising counterattack. Meanwhile, City quickly regained their footing, with Phil Foden striking the post and Joško Gvardiol narrowly missing the target. Just before halftime, Gvardiol redeemed himself by sweeping home Matheus Nunes’ pinpoint delivery to equalise for City.
Chelsea struggled to maintain their bright start in the second half, with errors creeping into their game. Levi Colwill’s miscue allowed Erling Haaland a sight of goal, though his initial effort was off target. Minutes later, a long ball from Ederson set Haaland free, and the Norwegian striker capitalised, chipping over a stranded Robert Sánchez to put City ahead.
City maintained their dominance, with Haaland’s physicality and vision creating another opening for Foden. The England international raced through Chelsea’s defence to score his sixth goal in four league games, sealing a vital victory for Pep Guardiola’s side.
The defeat drops Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea to sixth place, now trailing City, who climb to fourth. The Blues’ inability to capitalise on their early momentum and their ongoing struggles against City highlight the challenges they face in their pursuit of a top-four finish.
Be the first to comment on "Chelsea falter at the Etihad despite brilliant start"