Haaland, Foden shine in City victory over Chelsea

Erling Haaland and Phil Foden rescued new teammate Abdukodir Khusanov, leading Manchester City to a 3-1 comeback against Chelsea.

Initially, Khusanov, the £33.6 million Uzbekistan defender signed from Lens, struggled in his Premier League debut. His early mistake allowed Chelsea to score, resulting in a booking within just four minutes.

Noni Madueke capitalized on Khusanov’s error, putting Chelsea ahead at the Etihad Stadium. However, Josko Gvardiol equalized, while Haaland and Foden secured the win in the second half.

This victory propelled City back into the top four, boosting morale after their recent defeat to Paris St Germain. Manager Pep Guardiola opted to start Khusanov shortly after his signing due to ongoing injuries.

Nathan Ake and Ruben Dias were unavailable, with John Stones only fit for the bench.

As a result, the 20-year-old Khusanov faced immense pressure after previously playing for Energetik-BGU in Belarus during City’s treble victory in 2023.

His nerves showed in front of a packed crowd, which included FIFA president Gianni Infantino. Nonetheless, fellow debutant Omar Marmoush nearly made an impressive start for City.

Marmoush received a pass from Matheus Nunes and, despite a heavy touch, fired a shot that Chelsea’s Robert Sanchez deflected. Quickly, play shifted, and Khusanov faced embarrassment by misjudging a bouncing ball.

Nicolas Jackson seized on Khusanov’s blunder, assisting Madueke for an easy finish. Khusanov’s confusion continued as he misplaced another pass and received a yellow card for a foul on Cole Palmer.

Things nearly worsened for him when Palmer broke away, but the former City player overhit his pass. City recognized that attacking was their best defense, leading Foden to strike the post.

Marmoush thought he had equalized with a rebound, but the goal was ruled offside. Gvardiol came close twice, shooting over and wide before finally scoring just before halftime.

Marmoush chased a Gundogan ball, and Marc Cucurella’s clearance deflected off Sanchez, allowing Gvardiol to score from a tight angle.

After Khusanov was substituted in the 54th minute, Haaland nearly scored, but Sanchez denied him. Haaland then set up Marmoush, whose shot curled wide.

However, Haaland soon found the net, receiving a long ball from Ederson. He turned Trevoh Chalobah, who slipped, allowing Haaland to score into an empty net in the 68th minute.

Chelsea struggled to respond and fell behind again when Haaland assisted Foden, who finished confidently three minutes from time.

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