Manchester City overcame a nightmare debut from Abdukodir Khusanov to bounce back from the midweek clash in Paris to secure a hard-earned victory over Chelsea.
Khusanov, along with Omar Marmoush, were given the first start by Pep Guardiola, but early nerves led to a blunder that gave Chelsea a third-minute lead through Noni Madueke.
But Josko Gvardiol equalized before the break and Erling Haaland capitalized on a fortuitous save from Robert Sanchez to put City in front midway through the second half.
Chelsea’s early adventure was long over and Phil Foden added City’s third late on.
It was an impressive response from Guardiola’s men, who must beat Club Brugge on Wednesday night to go into the Champions League play-offs after losing 4-2 to Paris Saint-Germain three days ago.
Early scream from new boy
Khusanov’s first real involvement saw him make the mistake that led to Chelsea’s opener.
The Uzbekistan centre-half, a £33.8million signing from Lens this week, failed to deal with a long-range striker and, after allowing him to bounce, could only flick the ball into the path of Nicolas Jackson, who he got Madueke to bat. home.
Noni Madueke pounces on Abdukodir Khusanov’s mistake and Chelsea take the lead inside three minutes! 🫨 pic.twitter.com/xqg0b6tea5
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 25, 2025
The 20-year-old was at sea and another mistake, a snap pass to Mateo Kovacic two minutes later, resulted in a yellow card after he fell on Cole Palmer in an attempt to win the ball back.
The ball seemed to be following Khusanov around the Etihad pitch but he earned a standing ovation from the home fans after 10 minutes with a superb block to prevent Jadon Sancho from making it 2-0 after the former City player. Jackson.
City were slowly getting into the game and Foden put a shot against the post a minute later with Sanchez to beat.
Gvardiol should have done better shortly after as he misfired over the bar after being met by Haaland’s flick-on.
Unlike Khusanov, Marmoush looked dangerous and the Egyptian thought he had leveled matters with a debut goal after 34 minutes.
The former Eintracht Frankfurt forward was quicker to react after Sanchez could only head Ilkay Gundogan’s volley into a dangerous area, but the offside flag curtailed the celebrations.
Guardiola level
Gvardiol’s runs from deep were causing Chelsea trouble and the Croatian defender hit a half-volley before grabbing a deserved equalizer for the hosts three minutes before the break.
Gundogan’s clipped pass picked out Mateus Nunes and, although his shot was saved by Sanchez, Guardiol latched on to the loose ball to fire home.
Joško Gvardiol fires into an empty net to draw Manchester City level! 💥 pic.twitter.com/LeY5IKzCQC
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 25, 2025
Guardiola replaced Husanov nine minutes into the second period with John Stones coming on.
Marmoush stayed, however, and remained a threat to Chelsea’s backline. And he came close again to a debut goal after 67 minutes, firing inches after connecting well with Haaland.
His finish lacked precision, something Haaland can rarely be associated with, and the big Norwegian showed him how it should be done a minute later.
Haaland takes advantage of Sanchez’s poor position
Having latched on to Ederson’s long ball forward, Haaland held off Trevoch Chalomba, cut back onto his left foot and lifted a superb shot over the ill-placed Sanchez and into the back of the net.
Erling Haaland catches Robert Sanchez off his line and shoots! 🎯 pic.twitter.com/IkucihpVmd
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 25, 2025
Kevin De Bruyne replaced the impressive Marmoush with 16 minutes to go and played a part in City’s third goal, heading Haaland who pushed it past Foden to slot home.
