New Delhi: What and absolutely fantastic game of football that was!
It was a horrendous start for the new Uzbek young defender Abdukodir Khusanov, who had a quite happening debut in the Premier League. It was his first touch in the league, where he managed to get a weak header as he tried to play it towards Ederson, before a tussle with Nicolas Jackson. However, the Chelsea forward managed to reach the ball before anyone and play it towards Noni Madueke, who put it the open net. A horrible start for him that only got worse when Palmer regained control when Khusanov’s ball for Kovacic turned out to be a little under-hit, and the center-back then slipped across and caught Palmer. He received a nooking for that challenge.
The young defender was involved again, but this time in a much more positive means when Palmer rushed into the penalty area as Chalobah played a beautiful pass through the high defensive line and into Manchester City’s half. Palmer then squared a pass for Jackson. Khusanov blocked Sancho’s close-range attempt as the striker tried to take an additional touch before passing it to the former City academy product instead of taking the shot.
Chelsea’s lead was maintained when Phil Foden got into action from the right wing and hit a left-footed effort from 20 yards out that beat Sanchez’s outstretched arms but hit the woodwork. In the 24th minute, shots were fired by the City players as Haaland took his volleyed shot after Kovacic’s attempt before Gundogan’s effort from 20 yards out eventually landed in front of Sachez who couldn’t grab it. The new boy Marmoush was there to tuck it home but it was eventually offside, denying him his debut goal.
Gvardiol had a great move upfront as he faked his shot to fool the defender but he sent his right footed shot wide from inside the Chelsea box. However, he did score afterwards when from inside the center circle, Gundogan sent a pass over the top of the defence to Nunes, who pulled it down and then poked a shot off the frame of the charging Sanchez. Gvardiol restored parity by rushing through on the follow-up and tucking his finish into the empty net after spotting the goalkeeper out of position. It was 1-1 at half time!
A frenzy second half at Etihad
FULL-TIME | A big win at the Etihad 💪
🩵 3-1 🔵 #ManCity | @okx pic.twitter.com/jLGVCA64KI
— Manchester City (@ManCity) January 25, 2025
It was an end-to-end game where the second half also produced a lot of drama. Both the sides took their shots in the opening moments of the second half. Pep Guardiola decided not to risk it and subbed Khusanov off, by bringing in John Stones. The newcomer Marmoush did make his presence feel with a rather decent debut performance as in the 67th minute, Ederson went long down the pitch for Haaland, with James’ touch diverting the ball into the path of his Norwegian opponent. With two defenders drawn towards him, the gigantic striker squares a pass to the edge of the 18-yard box for Marmoush, whose shot narrowly missed the top of the net.
However, just a minute later Manchester City were 2-1 up. Haaland held off Chalobah and allowed the ball to run down the right wing when Ederson went long for him once more. The striker chipped a left-footed finish over Sanchesz from outside the 18-yard box as the helpless Chelsea keeper, caught between staying and coming for the ball, took a few too many steps off his line. City extended their lead to 3-1 when Phil Foden was found one on one with Chelsea defenders helplessly chasing the Englishman, before he put his shot past the keeper.
The defending Premier League champions go up to fourth place and play Club Brugge in the Champions League on Wednesday before facing Arsenal in the Premier League on Sunday. Meanwhile, Chelsea, in sixth place, will play West Ham in nine days.
Player of the match: Josko Gvardiol
⚽ Noni Madueke
⚽ Josko GvardiolHalf-time comes at Etihad Stadium with the scores 1-1 🤝#MCICHE pic.twitter.com/QkQ3L5rJtW
— Premier League (@premierleague) January 25, 2025
Pep should truly consider putting this guy upfront in a striker role. Gvardiol scored his fifth goal of the season, most by any other defender this season and besides that, he was solid defensively throughout the game, contributing in both the ends. Surprisingly, Gvardiol completed the most dribbles in the match, producing five of them in the game. His passing may not be the most impressive this time around, but he certainly made up for that with an important goal and also producing a top defensive performance for the Sky Blues.
Manchester City staged a stunning comeback to defeat Chelsea 3-1 at the Etihad Stadium, as this statement win took them to fourth in the Premier League table. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
