Heavily beaten at the Parc des Princes, in the Champions League (2-4), Manchester City still cannot do it and remains dropped in the standings in C1, but also in the Premier League. But before receiving Chelsea for this shock of the 23rd day, Pep Guardiola could count on his winter recruits: Marmoush and Khusanov, directly aligned due to numerous injuries. Same situation for the Blues, who then decided to align Sancho, Jackson, Madueke with Palmer, but not Nkunku, still on the bench.
This start to the match also started in the worst possible way for the Cityzens… but especially for Khusanov, author of a huge recovery error recovered by Jackson, who served Madueke for the opener (1-0, 3rd ). But the Uzbek recruit was not the only one at fault, since City couldn't achieve anything at the start of the period. Sancho (9th), Foden, on the post (11th) and Jackson (20th) almost made the break… and were going to regret it.
Superb inspiration from Erling Haaland
Because after a first warning on a goal refused for Marmoush, on an offside (34th), Nunes could infiltrate and attempt a strike, repelled by Sanchez directly on Gvardiol for the equalizer (1-1, 42nd). An equalizer at the best of times for the Skyblues, much better in the second half. Found deep, Haaland missed his duel in front of the London goalkeeper (51st), but confirmed the good domination of the Cityzens.
And finally, after a superb recovery from Ederson towards Haaland, the Norwegian scored with a sublime dive from the left, 20 meters away, taking advantage of a dismal exit from Sanchez (2-1, 68th). Disappointed, Chelsea then completely sank after Foden's goal, well served by Haaland and De Bruyne to allow Manchester City to return to fourth place and above all to reassure themselves before a decisive week against Bruges, in C1, then Arsenal, in PL. For their part, Chelsea continue their poor form and fall to 6th place before going to West Ham.
