
Manchester City performance mirrored that of debutante Khusanov. A shaky start, steady resilient middle and strong second half performance to put away Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium.
Pep Guardiola wasted no time to blood in his January signings. Khusanov comes to the club with a good reputation but adjustments are required when you play in the EPL.
The Uzbek international exposed early and Chelsea plundered an early goal. A misjudged header which Jackson setup Madueke for a routine finish. An early test for the debutante and City.
City to their credit after a shaky start recovered. Khusanov carded within five minutes but like his side showed resiliency and started to settle to proceedings.
The key moment of this game coming just before the break. Chelsea defensive unit exposed as Nunes effort fell to Gvardiol to equalise. Chelsea needed that lead at the break.
Manchester City with fresh impetus started to impress but it was an unlikely source for the Haaland go ahead goal. Ederson with as route one as you like. Haaland did the rest.
Sanchez role in the goal needs to be called out. The keeper getting nowhere the ball. A second successive mistake in as many games from the current number one of Chelsea. Will Maresca reassess his goalkeeping options after this tricky spell for the Spaniard?
Manchester City exposing Chelsea’s lack of intensity and high press in that second half. A third goal from Foden as another Ederson long pass opened up the Chelsea rearguard far too easy.
Chelsea did try to muster a response but this second half fell well short of the standard required. The side’s work rate under the microscope and the defensive frailties of past seasons is now an issue again.
Manchester City start life without Kyle Walker with a win. Khusanov will learn from this EPL baptism of fire. The league may be gone but City look primed to secure a top four spot come May.
Guardiola ends the week with a win. Marmoush looks a nice acquisition as well. You would wonder where Jack Grealish fits into the Pep masterplan after that signing? A good reaction after that PSG loss in midweek.