Match Report and Player Ratings: Manchester City 3-1 Chelsea (Premier League)

Manchester City secured three points with a 3-1 victory after a tough battle with Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday evening, with goals from Josko Gvardiol, Erling Haaland and Phil Foden completing a comeback.

There was two debuts this evening for the Blues this evening with marquee signing Omar Marmoush shining and the Premier League’s first representative of Uzbekistan, Abdukodir Khusanov also made his debut tonight.

Khusanov had a moment to forget early on in his Manchester City debut as his attempted back-pass was intercepted by Nicholas Jackson who provided the assist for Noni Madueke to tap in to the empty net.

Things got worse for the new number 45 just a minute later as he picked up a yellow card for a challenge outside of the City penalty area.

Pep Guardiola’s side narrowly escaped a two goal deficit in the opening ten minutes with former Manchester City player Cole Palmer breaking through the defensive line. But his pass across the box was poor and allowed City to recuperate.

This game was proving to be one of high intensity with Phil Foden rattling the Chelsea woodwork with his effort from outside the penalty area.

The next Manchester City chance fell to the goal-scoring Croatian Josko Gvardiol who will feel he should have found the back of the net with his strike.

Fans around the Etihad Stadium jumped up in celebration when they thought that City had found an equaliser in the 34th minute through one of the new arrivals, Omar Marmoush. The Egyptian slotted the ball past Robert Sanchez and into the side netting before having his celebrations cut short by the raised offside flag.

The main threat from the Premier League champions was coming from the full-backs, Matheus Nunes and Josko Gvardiol and they combined to level the scoring for the Sky-Blues. A well-timed run and a little bit of fortune found the Croatian defender staring at an open goal to equalise just before half-time.

Erling Haaland looked to start the second half by giving Manchester City the lead but Robert Sanchez got down quickly to deny the big Norwegian. The number nine made no mistake the second time of asking as he dinked the ball over the onrushing goalkeeper to make it 2-1 after a long ball from Ederson.

The champions ended the game on high with Phil Foden calmly passing the ball past the Chelsea goalkeeper to secure the victory for his boyhood club.

A flick-on from substitute Kevin De Bruyne found the feet of Haaland who held off two defenders on his own to play the pass through to last seasons Player of the Season who made no mistake in front of goal.

And with that 3-1 victory, Manchester City will now look towards the final game of the UEFA Champions League’s league phase as they host Belgian side Club Brugge on Wednesday night in a must-win fixture for the Blues!

Before then, here is how we rated the individual players’ performances from the weekend’s victory at the Etihad Stadium!

Player Ratings

Starting XI

Ederson – 7

His long balls found Haaland 1v1 which led to the second and third goals. Could not do much to save the Chelsea goal.

Matheus Nunes – 7

Couldn’t venture forward as much to help cover with the new signing. Played a pivotal role in the equaliser. Defended well when asked to.

Abdukodir Khusanov – 3.5

Had a difficult first few minutes and his error led to the goal. But looked like he was slowly growing into the game.

Manuel Akanji – 6

Wasn’t too bad. Had to take control of the defence when playing with a new signing.

Josko Gvardiol – 7.5 (MOTM)

One of the main threats in the game. Caused Reece James and Noni Madueke problems all game.

https://twitter.com/City_Xtra/status/1883236184723427417

Mateo Kovacic – 6

Had Cole Palmer on his heels all game. He moved the ball around well but needed to move a bit quicker.

Ilkay Gundogan – 7

Beautiful ball over the top in the buildup to the equaliser. Tried to find holes in the high Chelsea press.

Bernardo Silva (C) – 7.5

Covered every blade of grass and wears the captains armband with pride. Understood the situation early on in the game and dropped back to help out.

Phil Foden – 7

Not as much involvement as he would have liked but took his chance well to secure the victory. Unlucky with his effort hitting the post.

Omar Marmoush – 7.5

Looks like a really promising signing. Made great runs in behind and always looks eager to score goals.

Erling Haaland – 7.5

Had very little impact on the game in the first half. Changed his approach in the second half which led to his goal to give City the lead and excellent hold-up to create the third goal.

Substitutes

John Stones – 6

Restored confidence in the back line and helped retain possession in City’s half.

Kevin De Bruyne – 7

His flick on led to the third goal for City and he provided a sense of control late in the game.