RULES WITH City ace keeps title dream IRON ROD
RODRI, who knows a thing about important goals, came to Manchester City’s rescue with a late leveller.
It might not have been the Champions League final but until he struck in the 83rd minute a proud 22-game unbeaten home league record stretching back to November 2022 was in danger.
Talking of Champions League, it appeared that old-boy Raheem Sterling’s goal would be enough to hand Chelsea their first victory over Pep Guardiola’s side since the 2021 Champions League final triumph against their rivals.
Chelsea will rue a number of missed chances as will Erling
Haaland who for once misfired in front of goal. It could have been worse for Chelsea in a frantic finale, Levi Colwill surviving a VAR check for handball.
Nicolas Jackson had cut a frustrated figure after squandering the easiest of chances to give Chelsea a 23rdminute lead.
A sharp break ended with the perfect low cross from Malo Gusto which found the unmarked striker whose lack of confidence was obvious – no Premier League player has missed as many opportunities – a poor first touch allowing Ederson to block.
City’s early openness had encouraged a Chelsea side with two City old boys Raheem Sterling and Cole Palmer eager to make an impact.
And to Mauricio Pochettino’s disbelief just 10 minutes after the Jackson horror it was Sterling whose wayward control from Enzo’s defence splitting pass again allowed a relieved Ederson to make a comfortable save.
Chelsea’s manager was literally hopping mad, furiously jumping up and down in his technical area following the profligacy in front of goal. Three minutes before the break he was back on his feet – but this time in celebration as the two culprits combined for the opening goal of the game.
City were once again guilty of allowing Chelsea too much freedom and space and they were finally punished as Jackson sped down the right before finding Sterling who left Kyle Walker grounded before curling his shot around Ederson.
Game on – could City respond? A Kevin De Bruyne free-kick landed on top of the net with keeper Dorde Petrovic stationary while a scintillating burst from their own area ended with
Haaland volleying wide. But gaps still kept opening up at the back for Chelsea to exploit and only a stunning stop from Ederson prevented Stirling adding a second in the 56th minute.
Haaland then somehow managed to head over from a trademark De Bruyne cross and had another effort saved.
But cometh the hour, cometh the man in the shape of Rodri seven minutes from time.
Walker’s fierce drive came back off Axel Disasi to Rodri who smashed it goalwards with vengeance, the ball ricocheting into the net off substitute Trevoh Chalobah.