Manchester City recovered from a Champions League disappointment in midweek to defeat Chelsea, 3-1, in the Premier League, extending their unbeaten run against the Blues to 11 games.
City’s new arrivals, Omar Marmoush and Abdukodir Khusanov, were given debuts, but it was a nightmare start for Khusanov, whose defensive howler in the third minute handed Chelsea an opening goal. Nicolas Jackson pounced on the error, allowing Noni Madueke to convert. Chelsea almost scored their second soon after, but City began to settle into their rhythm.
Phil Foden hit the post, and Joško Gvardiol fluffed a golden chance before scoring with a calm finish after Matheus Nunes’ assist only moments before halftime.
City cut loose after the break, and even though Erling Haaland missed a first-half penalty, he showcased his lethal instincts. A mistake by Levi Colwill offered Haaland an opportunity but it was when a long ball from Ederson caught Chelsea’s defence napping that Haaland chipped Robert Sánchez to send City into the lead.
Haaland had also turned provider towards the end, holding off defenders to lay the ball off to Foden for City’s third. The result raised Pep Guardiola’s men to fourth place in the standings, and it left Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea in sixth after their vibrant opening faded.
