Man City offers a burst of pride against Chelsea

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By: Manu Tournoux

Shaken by its certainties and by an eye-catching Chelsea, Manchester City found, this Saturday, the ideal response to heal its European wounds. Three days after their setback against PSG, Guardiola's men offered their public a reaction full of character, winning 3-1 against a London team which was nothing like an extra.

A reverse start for Man City

This match, however, started as a test for City. From the 3rd minute, a poorly controlled ball by Khusanov, the latest Uzbek recruit, allowed Noni Madueke to open the scoring for Chelsea. A start worthy of a nightmare for the former Lens player and which plunged the Etihad Stadium into an incredulous silence. Yet, in the heart of this turmoil, the Citizens kept the faith. After a first miss from Gvardiol in the 25th minute, City ended up finding the equalizer thanks to the same Croatian defender. In the 42nd minute, following a blocked shot from Matheus Nunes, Gvardiol burst into the area to bring his team back up to par, scoring a goal that was as opportunistic as it was essential, just before the break.

Foden and City are back on track.

Haaland and Foden seal victory

It was in the second half that City imposed their rhythm and authority. Erling Haaland, first thwarted by Robert Sanchez in the 51st minute, ended up turning the game around with a clinical strike in the 68th. A precise opening from Ederson, perfect control, and the Norwegian scored his 18th goal of the season in the Premier League. The match would end with this score of 2-1 but that was without counting on Phil Foden, a man in good form at the start of the year. In the 87th minute, the English striker coolly completed a clever delivery from Haaland, sealing the victory for City who finally managed to win against a direct rival.

With this success, Manchester City regains its place in the top 4, overtaking its evening opponent. More than an accounting victory, this match perhaps marked a turning point in the season of the Skyblues, who found not only their legs, but also their confidence, at the best possible time.