Manchester City overcame an early setback to secure a 3-1 victory over Chelsea, climbing into the Champions League spots in the process. The match saw two debutants for City, and one of them, Abdukodir Husanov, had a moment to forget early on.

Just three minutes into the game, the Uzbek defender made a costly error, misplacing a backpass to the goalkeeper. Nicolas Jackson intercepted the ball and set up Noni Madueke, who slotted into an empty net to give Chelsea the lead. However, that was the high point for the visitors, as Manchester City quickly took control of the match.

Before halftime, Matheus Nunes broke free from the Chelsea defense following a long ball from İlkay Gündoğan. Although his shot was saved, Josko Gvardiol was quickest to react, tapping in the rebound to level the score.

In the second half, City turned the game around. Erling Haaland capitalized on a poor clearance from Robert Sánchez, chipping the ball over the Chelsea goalkeeper to put the hosts ahead. Late in the game, Haaland turned provider, setting up Phil Foden, who dribbled past the entire Chelsea defense and finished coolly to seal the win.

The 3-1 victory sees Manchester City leapfrog Chelsea in the league table, moving into the coveted Champions League qualification zone.

2024-25, England - Premier League

Manchester City - Chelsea 3:1 (1:1)
Goals: Madueke, 3 (0:1); Gvardiol, 42 (1:1); Håland E., 68 (2:1); Foden, 87 (3:1)

Manchester City: Ederson; Gvardiol; Akanji; Khusanov (Stones, 54); Kovacic M.; Gundogan; Bernardo Silva; Matheus Nunes; Foden; Håland E.; Marmoush (De Bruyne, 74)
Bench: Ortega S.; Lewis R.; Vitor Reis; Grealish; Mcatee; Sávio Moreira; O'Reilly
Yellow Cards: Khusanov 4; Bernardo Silva 79; Kovacic M. 83

Chelsea: Sanchez Ro.; Colwill; Chalobah; James R. (Gusto, 73); Cucurella; Fernandez E.; Madueke; Palmer Co.; Caicedo M.; Jackson N. (Nkunku, 61); Sancho (Pedro Neto, 73)
Bench: Jörgensen F.; Disasi; Adarabioyo; Acheampong J. K.; Dewsbury-Hall; Guiu Marc
Yellow Cards: Colwill 25; Caicedo M. 58