In a highly anticipated Premier League match, Manchester City and Chelsea battled to a 1-1 draw at the Etihad Stadium. The clash between two of the top teams in English football did not disappoint as both sides displayed their quality and determination throughout the ninety minutes.
Manchester City took an early lead through a goal from Raheem Sterling, who capitalized on a defensive error to put his team ahead. However, Chelsea fought back valiantly and equalized through a well-taken goal from Hakim Ziyech in the second half.
Mauricio Pochettino set up his Chelsea team to counterattack with the pace of Raheem Sterling leading the line and it was the former City man who opened the scoring. Nicolas Jackson breaking down the right before slipping the ball to him. Sterling dribbled into the box, cut inside of Kyle Walker, and curled a cool finish past Ederson.
Chelsea tried to hold onto their slim lead and even switched to five at the back, but City turned up the heat several degrees. The pushed, repeatedly whipping crosses and set pieces into the box and earned a reprieve thanks to crunch player Rodri who popped up inside the final 10 minutes to get them level.
For Chelsea, the big positive was in their performance for the first hour, and perhaps it would have been enough to win the game had they taken more of their chances when they were on top. Missing opportunities has been a familiar issue for Mauricio Pochettino this season, but it was still a contender for Chelsea's best display since the Argentinian manager took over last summer.
Newcastle United in seventh position (36 points) and Wolverhampton Wanderers in 11th (32 points). Chelsea sits in 10th position going into Saturday with a 10-4-10 record and 34 points. The match against Manchester City is a big challenge, and it’s followed by a contest against Premier League leader Liverpool in the Carabao Cup on Feb. 25.
Chelsea probably should have already been ahead at that point when the same move on the same side of the pitch released Malo Gusto but Jackson's touch in the middle was heavy and Éderson smothered the chance. Chelsea had another opportunity early in the second half, again running beyond City's defence, and Éderson was required to make a terrific save from Sterling's point-blank shot.
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