Manchester City secured a crucial 3-1 victory over Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium, driven by Erling Haaland’s brilliance and a standout performance in the second half. Haaland’s 68th-minute goal, his 18th in the Premier League this season, was a masterclass in composure and precision. The striker lofted the ball over Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sánchez with ease, celebrating with a confident expression that encapsulated his dominance.
The win was a relief for City following their midweek defeat to Paris Saint-Germain and an unsteady start in this match. City’s new £33.8 million defender, Abdukodir Khusanov, endured a nightmare debut, contributing to Chelsea’s early lead. Within three minutes, Khusanov misjudged a header and failed to clear the ball, leading to a back-pass that fell short. Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson capitalized, setting up Noni Madueke for a straightforward finish.
The young defender from Tashkent looked visibly shaken, and his early struggles continued when he fouled Chelsea’s Cole Palmer, earning a yellow card. Guardiola’s frustration was evident, though Khusanov managed to redeem himself slightly with a crucial block against Jadon Sancho’s close-range shot.
As the match progressed, Manchester City began to assert control. Chelsea initially appeared confident, moving the ball well and creating chances. Omar Marmoush, City’s new forward, had moments of promise but was repeatedly caught offside. Josko Gvardiol eventually equalized for City after a well-worked move involving Ilkay Gündogan and Matheus Nunes. Gvardiol’s precise finish brought City back into the game and shifted momentum.
City continued to press, and Haaland’s moment of brilliance came when a long punt from Ederson caused confusion in Chelsea’s defense. Haaland seized the opportunity, lobbing the advancing Sánchez to give City the lead. The goal highlighted Haaland’s sharp instincts and ability to exploit defensive lapses.
Khusanov was substituted after 54 minutes, with John Stones replacing him. The young defender’s challenging debut ended without further incident, but it was a performance to learn from. Despite early defensive errors, City tightened their grip on the game in the latter stages.
Phil Foden added a third goal late on, continuing his excellent form with his sixth goal in six matches. Assisted by Haaland, Foden’s composed finish sealed the victory and underscored City’s attacking prowess. Chelsea struggled to respond as City dictated play, pushing their opponents into a defensive shell.
The win was vital for Manchester City as they aim to recover from recent inconsistencies. Haaland’s heroics and the team’s improved second-half performance provided a much-needed boost ahead of their upcoming European clash.
