Man City thrash Chelsea 3-1 to reclaim Premier League top four spot

Erling Haaland delivered a commanding performance to lead Manchester City’s comeback from 1-0 down, securing a 3-1 victory over Chelsea at the Etihad on Saturday. The win propelled City back into the Premier League’s top four, displacing Chelsea, who now sit sixth.

City had slipped toward mid-table earlier in the day following wins by Newcastle United and Bournemouth. However, a resilient display saw Pep Guardiola’s men rejoin Liverpool, Arsenal, and Nottingham Forest in the Champions League places.

Chelsea struck first when debutant Abdukodir Khusanov’s misplaced header gifted Noni Madueke a simple finish in the opening minutes. But City responded with Josko Gvardiol’s equaliser before Haaland’s brilliance turned the game around.

The Norwegian striker showcased his strength and composure, chipping goalkeeper Robert Sanchez to give City the lead with 22 minutes remaining. Haaland then set up Phil Foden to seal the points, as the English midfielder continued his red-hot form with his sixth goal in four league games.

Chelsea’s struggles in front of goal and defensive lapses proved costly once again, while Sanchez’s questionable positioning for Haaland’s goal highlighted their need for upgrades between the posts.
City’s victory was timely as they gear up for a critical Champions League clash against Club Brugge on Wednesday, needing a win to reach the playoff round after a midweek collapse against PSG.

Guardiola handed debuts to Khusanov and Omar Marmoush, but Khusanov endured a nightmare start, with his error leading to Chelsea’s opener. He was also fortunate to escape a red card after a rash challenge on Cole Palmer. Khusanov was substituted at halftime, replaced by John Stones, as City regained defensive solidity.

Marmoush, a £59 million signing from Eintracht Frankfurt, showed promise and almost scored on debut, but his effort went wide. Meanwhile, Gvardiol shone with his marauding runs from left-back, netting his fifth league goal of the season after capitalising on a Sanchez save before halftime.

Haaland’s sixth goal in six games took his season tally to 24 goals. The win boosts City’s chances of Champions League qualification and puts them back on track ahead of a crucial European test midweek.