Man City 3-1 Chelsea Player Ratings: Pep Guardiola & Boys stage a blockbuster comeback

In another high-voltage clash between the two biggest sides in the English Premier League, the reigning champions Man City staged a blockbuster comeback to stun Chelsea with a 3-1 win at the Etihad Stadium. The hosts suffered an early setback through Noni Madueke’s early goal putting the visitors, Chelsea ahead in the 3rd minute of the match. Josco Gvardiol’s equaliser ahead of the half-time break leveled the scoreline pulling the home side back into the contest.

In the latter half, Enzo Maresca’s high backline again backfired with Ederson combining with Erling Haaland to punish Robert Sanchez on his mistake of leaving the empty goal with a left-footed chip to take the game lead. Also, Phil Foden joined the list of goal scorers by adding a third goal for his side and ensuring a crucial home win to boost their confidence in their battle to defend the Premier League title.

Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola handed debuts to two of their new January arrivals centre back Abdukodir Khusanov and Omar Marmoush in the must-win tie against Chelsea. Let’s take a look at the Man City vs Chelsea Player Ratings.

Man City Player Ratings vs Chelsea

Goalkeeper

Ederson Moraes – 8

The Brazilian displayed his safe pair of hands in pulling off key saves and with his feet as he also made the assist to help Erling Haaland score their second goal and take a goal lead.

Defenders

Matheus Nunes – 7.5

Yet again, Pep Guardiola tasked Nunes with the right-back duty, seemingly his new role and the Portuguese did an amazing job despite playing out of position. He assisted his Gvardiol in scoring the equalizer with a brilliant run in the box.

Abdukodir Khusanov – 5

It was not a memorable Premier League debut for the young Uzebekitan International Khusanov, who committed serious errors in the initial minutes of the game that led to Chelsea’s opening goal.

Manuel Akanji – 6.5

He was operating comfortably in the backline and completed the most passes in the match (83), while the defender was quick to clear any danger around the goal.

Josko Gvardiol – 7.5

The Croatian full-back was an absolute threat for the Blues down the left flank, consistently making runs into the box despite being wasteful on few big chances in front of goal. His equalizer eventually sparked the comeback.

Midfielders

Mateo Kovacic – 7

He was good with his outing, operating in the centre and controlling the tempo of the home team. Kovacic played 6 passes into the attacking third.

Ilkay Gündogan – 7

Similar to Kovacic role, Gundogan also played a key role in the midfield holding the ball in tight situations and dictating the flow of the game with his leadership role.

Bernardo Silva – 7

Wearing the captain’s armband, Silva was practically everywhere on the pitch roaming across the field collecting passes and creating spaces, and with an excellent work rate.

Omar Marmoush – 7

The Second Premier League debutant for Man City in this match, the Egytpian attacker was impressive in his outing and showed intent to make some decent runs while also creating a chance, he even got his debut goal though it was ruled offside. Overall, a decent performance from Marmoush.

Phil Foden – 7.5

The Englishman came close to scoring in the first half but unfortunately hit the woodwork. Nonetheless, he bagged the third goal for City and sealed the victory with his 87th-minute strike.

Forward

Erling Haaland – 8.5

A long ball from Ederson found Haaland who made no mistake in bringing down the ball and cleverly sensed Robert Sanchez moving out of his line to chip home the second Man City goal with an exquisite left-footed finish over the keeper into the empty net. An assist and a goal-perfect night for Haaland.

Substitutes

Kevin De Bruyne – 6

John Stones – 6.5

Manager

Pep Guardiola – 8

After going down with a goal in the opening minutes, Pep Guardiola’s men responded with a statement victory and marked a stunning comeback in front of the home crowd.

Chelsea Player Ratings vs Man City

Goalkeeper

Robert Sánchez – 4.5

He would probably regret his decision to leave the goal line which invited the second goal for the Citizens and eventually decided the fate of the contest. A crucial error from the Spaniard.

Defenders

Reece James – 6

The Chelsea skipper started strongly on the Right side of the defence, outmuscling the Man City wingers and keeping them away from causing any sort of trouble but, he needs to find more consistency with regular minutes following his return from Injury.

Levi Colwill – 5.5

Got booked for creating a nuisance in the first half and had an average outing in the backline.

Trevoh Chalobah – 5.5

He was decent in duels and made some important clearances in the box but failed to keep the opposition away from the goal.

Marc Cucurella – 6

The Spanish left-back started well on the left-hand side of defence but failed to mark any significant impact in the game.

Midfielders

Moisés Caicedo – 6

He was excellent with his passing ability maintaining 96% accuracy and created chances for his side but lacked defensive stability.

Enzo Fernández – 5.5

A lacklustre performance from the Argentine midfielder, he won the most duels and also lost the most amount of duels in the midfield.

Noni Madueke – 7.5

His scoring the opener for Chelsea was probably the only highlight of his game. Played the entire game but failed to add another goal to his game.

Cole Palmer – 6

Chelsea certainly missed Cole Palmer’s magic against the League Champions, apart from a shot on target and the single chance he wasn’t in his best form.

Jadon Sancho – 6.5

He was good charging down the left flank with his pacy runs with skilful feet but could not make impactful contributions for the Blues.

Forward

Nicolas Jackson – 7

It was surely a busy evening for Jackson upfront leading the attack for the Blues, and playing unselfishly to assist Madueke for the first goal. He recorded two shots on target and created two chances as well.

Substitutes

Christopher Nkunku – 6

Pedro Neto – 6

Malo Gusto – 6

Manager

Enzo Maresca – 6.5

The Italian gaffer failed to inspire his side to keep the momentum in their favour, despite taking early advantage in the game, the home team played better football and subsequently snatched a win.

FAQs