Manchester City Bounce Back to Beat Chelsea
Manchester City returned to winning ways after conceding an early goal, beating Chelsea 3-1 at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday. The win saw Pep Guardiola's side climb to fourth in the Premier League table, 12 points behind Arsenal, while Chelsea slipped to sixth.
Uzbek defender Abdukodir Khusanov, signed this week from French side Lens, had a nightmare debut for City when his mistake in the third minute allowed Nicolas Jackson to steal the ball and square it for Noni Madueke to put Chelsea in front.
City hit back though, with defender Josko Gvardiol levelling three minutes before halftime and Erling Haaland putting the hosts in front after 68 minutes before Phil Foden's breakaway goal in the 87th wrapped up the three points.
Debut to Forget for Khusanov as City Fight Back
Khusanov, who joined City for a reported £40 million, got his City career off to the worst possible start when his poor pass allowed Jackson to set up Madueke for the opening goal.
The error will come as a major disappointment to Guardiola, who had hoped Khusanov would provide some much-needed stability to his shaky defence.
However, City showed great character to fight back from the early setback. Gvardiol equalised with a powerful header from a corner, and Haaland put the hosts in front with a clinical finish after being set up by Foden.
Foden wrapped up the win in the dying minutes with a fine solo goal, running from inside his own half and slotting past Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Title Hopes Dwindle for Chelsea
The defeat leaves Chelsea's hopes of winning the Premier League title in tatters. The Blues are now 10 points behind leaders Arsenal, having played a game more.
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca will be concerned about his team's defensive frailties. The Blues have now kept just one clean sheet in their last six games, conceding 11 goals in that time.
Chelsea will need to improve their defensive record if they are to challenge for the title next season. Otherwise, they may find themselves chasing the top four instead.
City's Title Hopes Still Alive
City's win keeps their title hopes alive, although they are still 12 points behind Arsenal. However, Guardiola will be encouraged by his team's performance against Chelsea.
City showed great character to come from behind and win the game. They also showed great attacking quality, with Haaland and Foden in particular impressing.
If City can continue to perform at this level, they will be a major threat to Arsenal in the title race.