Khusanov’s Man City debut from hell salvaged by even greater Chelsea gaffes Man City 3-1 Chelsea ⚽

Khusanov’s Man City debut from hell salvaged by even greater Chelsea gaffes

Man City 3-1 Chelsea: A horror debut for Abdukodir Khusanov handed the Blues a 1-0 lead, but City hit back and capitalised on a baffling Robert Sanchez decision to claim victory.

On a night full of mistakes, the first was the worst but not the costliest. For that, Abdukodir Khusanov could thank Robert Sanchez. The £33m defender’s Manchester City career started disastrously, with an early error that led to Chelsea’s opener. However, thanks to the chaos caused by Sanchez’s latest blunder, Khusanov ultimately ended his debut as a winner.

Khusanov, looking rattled in his first few minutes, gifted possession to former City player Noni Madueke, forcing him to commit a foul that earned him a booking. Manager Pep Guardiola, visibly frustrated, held his head in disbelief. Fortunately for City, Madueke's teammate Cole Palmer squandered the resulting free kick, easing some pressure.

Things didn’t stay bleak for long. Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, still prone to critical errors 17 months into his contract, made a baffling decision that allowed Erling Haaland ⚽ to equalise, swinging momentum back to City. From what seemed like a potential crisis, City found their composure and delivered a decisive turnaround.

A Mixed Debut for Khusanov

Khusanov’s performance improved after his nightmare start, showing signs of why Guardiola brought him to address City’s defensive issues. His crucial block of a Jadon Sancho effort ⚠️ kept Chelsea from doubling their lead, demonstrating resilience amid adversity.

Chelsea’s Blunders Prove Costly

While Khusanov’s debut had its share of struggles, Chelsea’s mistakes were far more damaging. Robert Sanchez’s glaring error 🧤 gifted City an equaliser, and their defensive frailties were fully exposed as the match progressed.

City’s new signing Omar Marmoush also caused trouble for Chelsea’s backline, making sharp breaks – though both attempts were flagged offside 🚩.

Ultimately, Guardiola’s side capitalised on Chelsea’s inability to keep their composure, sealing a 3-1 victory and leapfrogging their opponents in the table 🔝.

Key Moments

⚽ Chelsea’s Opener: Noni Madueke punished Khusanov’s early error.

⚠️ Khusanov’s Recovery: A vital block on Sancho kept City alive.

🔥 Sanchez’s Blunder: Haaland equalised thanks to a bizarre mistake.

🎯 City’s Comeback: Ruthless finishing ensured a complete turnaround.

Khusanov will hope for better days ahead, but on this occasion, his shaky debut was overshadowed by Chelsea’s inability to stay solid under pressure.