By Samuel A. February 18, 2024
Rodri’s late leveler earned Manchester City a 1-1 draw against Chelsea, but the reigning champions lost ground in the Premier League title race as their maximum points with their outstanding game will still fall one short of Liverpool.
Rodri’s left footed effort canceled Sterling’s opener. They pushed for the winner, sparking a series of chances and rough series of play in the Chelsea box, but had to settle for the draw in a thrilling game.
Pochettino’s team warranted it with their endeavour, the draw lifting them back above Wolves and into the top half of the table. City are now third, four points behind the Premier League leaders Liverpool.
Haaland had been criticised by Guardiola for his poor body language in the first half against Everton last weekend, but he improved and came close to making a quicker impact this time around. His headed chance from Julian Alvarez’s left wing cross was directed over the bar, but it was Chelsea who had the better openings in the first half, looking a real threat on the counter attack. Nicolas Jackson’s poor touch from Gusto’s pass allowed Ederson to smother, but the striker, however, made up for that for Sterling’s goal. After finding space himself on the right, his measured cross found the former City player who cut inside before curling the ball past Ederson and into the far corner. It was a deserved lead at the break.
Chelsea retained that counter attacking threat in the second half. Cole Palmer, former Man City youngster, fed Malo Gusto, whose cross was almost swept in by Sterling only for Ederson to produce a magnificent save with his feet, which proved to be pivotal for the game. Later in the game, just after Haaland had improbably headed wide again from Kevin’s sublime weak foot cross, the ever impressive Rodri intervened. His shot was bound for the back of the net before the deflection. It salvaged one point.
“I think we weren’t great in the first half. We conceded another easy goal. I think we have to defend better,” Rodri said. “We knew about their counter attacks and fast players, but we have to defend the counter attack better. From there, it’s always more difficult to come back. It’s a matter of defending better.” The defending champions face Brentford next at the Etihad Stadium.
