Match Coverage
Manchester City 1-1 Chelsea: Mauricio Pochettino’s side offer resilient display at Etihad Stadium
Chelsea offered a resilient display against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium, with the Premier League game ending in a 1-1 draw.
Chelsea supporters were understandably worried going into this game, but Mauricio Pochettino’s side quickly provided the energy needed to show that they were prepared to fight throughout the clash.
On top of that, The Blues showed that they could threaten Pep Guardiola’s side on the break. However, there was a lack of quality at the end of those moments at first, with Nicolas Jackson and Raheem Sterling both missing huge chances.
Yet, it was those exact two players who linked up to score the opener at the Etihad Stadium. Jackson played a wonderful one-two with Cole Palmer before releasing his other England teammate through the middle.
Whilst the former Manchester City winger did not cover himself in glory when he was released one-on-one with Ederson the first time, he made no mistake this time around with a curling finish into the far corner.
The visitors rode their luck at the other end of the pitch throughout periods, with several huge Erling Haaland chances being wasted by the Norweigan. Yet, Pochettino’s men defended excellently, with Axel Disasi, in particular, contributing to several excellent interventions.
However, as the game wore on, Chelsea tired. Pochettino attempted to shut up shop with several defensive substitutions, but that only allowed further pressure from the hosts, which eventually led to an equaliser.
Rodri thundered in a deflected strike after a cross into the Chelsea box was cleared towards the edge of the box to steal a point.
It was a game which showed some major positives from Pochettino’s team, but they were unable to get over the line against the current Premier League champions and had to settle for a draw in the end.