Chelsea and Manchester City put on a breathtaking display, with Cole Palmer and Raheem Sterling scoring a goal against their old club to equalize 4-4.
Despite clinical support from Erling Haaland, Palmer and Sterling put in great performances to settle a thrilling battle at Stamford Bridge.
City led three times but came back in a tense encounter, with Palmer finishing the scoring late on from the penalty spot.
A foul on substitute Armando Broja by Ruben Dias presented Palmer with the opportunity to unleash the dagger on his boys’ side, and he made no mistake getting inside.
Here, Mailsport‘s ADRIAN KAJUMBA rates both sets of players…
Cole Palmer scored a final penalty to save Chelsea a point against Manchester City
Winger Raheem Sterling was also on target against his former club in an eight-goal thriller
CHELSEA (4-3-3)
ROBERT SANCHEZ7
Excellent save as Haaland had his goal disallowed. An early slip through Akanji’s header and in an even busier second half helpless for City goals.
REECE JAMES 8
He got better from his duel with Doku. He went close with a free-kick to set up Sterling’s goal, but could not outsmart Haaland to deny him a second.
AXEL DISASI 7.5
He did crucial work in his box and was proactive in his defense, but silencing Haaland was no easy task.
THIAGO SILVA 7
Brilliant quick run and header to put Chelsea level, but it was his outstretched foot that deflected Rodri’s shot past Sánchez as City looked to have won the game.
Thiago Silva scored a header after a near post dart, but was the victim of an ugly deflection
MARC CUCURELLA 6.5
Typically tenacious and dogged in his defense against Foden. It went too far when he challenged Haaland to concede a penalty. Booked.
MOISES CAICEDO 6
He dived into Haaland and preciously missed the ball early in the second half, eventually leading to City’s third goal. Booked.
ENZO FERNANDEZ 6.5
A clever bit of early trickery to beat Rodri caught the eye, but lost concentration and allowed Akanji to score for City.
CONOR GALLAGHER 8.5
Energetic and action-packed display from the midfielder. A full-blooded challenge on Dias hurt him but lifted the crowd. A saved shot led to Jackson’s equalizer.
Conor Gallagher put in an energetic performance and played a role in Chelsea’s third goal
COLE PALMER 8.5
Grown into a game that became increasingly influential. He set up Sterling’s goal, denied a stunning solo effort from Ederson and had the final say with a cool equalizer. Booked for damaging the penalty spot before Haaland scored from twelve yards.
NICHOLAS JACKSON 7
Was smothered by City’s defenders for most of the game and Walker had the pace to stop him early on. But he remained calm when his moment came to make it 3-3. Booked.
Nicolas Jackson remained calm when his moment came and slid excellently under Ederson
RAHEEM STERLING 8.5
Scored once against his old club and was not far from a second. The crowd enjoyed its nutmeg on Doku. Spent the entire game looking for it. Booked.
REPLACEMENTS
Mudryk 7 (for Fernandez 64)
Gusto 7 (for James 64)
Broja (for Caicedo 90)
Ugochukwu (for Jackson 90+6)
MAURICIO POCHETTINO 7.5
Full-time abandoning the fourth official, because it was not enough to settle for a draw. It inspired another positive result in a big game from his side. Booked.
MANCHESTER CITY (4-1-4-1)
EDERSON 7.5
Composed as always on the ball and handling well until a poor parry straight at Jackson. A crucial save denied Palmer what would have been a brilliant goal.
KYLE WALKER 6.5
Pace prevented Sterling and Jackson from causing bigger problems early, but had his hands full with the former as the match progressed.
RUBEN DIAS6
A mistake in the build-up to Sterling’s goal was costly and he was unable to return to the save situation. A rash challenge also led to Chelsea’s late penalty.
Ruben Dias’ rash tackle inside stoppage time gave the hosts the chance to level the score
MANUEL AKANJI 7.5
Great equalizer at a decisive moment for City just before half-time. Was someone who moved into midfield, but with brilliant pace and defense to thwart Jackson on the counter.
JOSKO GVARDIOL 5.5
Uncomfortable outing. Dived wildly at James and was lucky he wasn’t punished. There was no escape when he got his feet mixed up before Sterling scored.
Josko Gvardiol endured an awkward outing and was lucky not to receive a warning
RODRI 6
Not at his best amid the chaos, summed up by booking and giving the ball away for Gusto’s chance. Still almost won. Booked.
BERNARDO SILVA 6.5
Two inviting crosses from the left led to goals for City, but also allowed namesake Thiago Silva to get away from him at a corner to make it 1-1.
PHIL FODEN 6.5
Inches away from scoring a curler for City in the first half and was involved in Haaland’s second early after the break. Good fight with Cucurella.
JULIAN ALVAREZ 6.5
Quiet first half, more involved after the break. Provided crucial cross for Haaland’s second and tested Sánchez with a half-volley before being replaced.
JEREMY DOKU 5.5
Met match in James. Doku had a real moment of joy when he hit him, but mostly he was frustrated, summed up by caution in diving. Booked.
Jeremy Doku met his match in Reece James, but was booked for diving into the penalty area
ERLING HAALAND 8
Another big game and another boost for City’s star man. Kept cool from the spot to start the madness and finish second after the break.
Erling Haaland was City’s star player again, scoring a goal on a thrilling evening
REPLACEMENTS
Grealish 6.5 (for Doku 59)
Kovacic 6 (for Alvarez 79)
PEP GUARDIOLA 6.5
Unable to keep his side steady to maintain a lead. They had it three times, but got fed back each time.
ANTONY TAYLOR 5
It was already unpopular here and the penalty in the first half against Cucurella did not change that. Crazy game to try to control.
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