Manchester City made a strong comeback to defeat Chelsea 3-1 on January 25, 2025, in a Premier League match that saw Erling Haaland shine once again. The win propelled City into the top four of the league, overtaking Chelsea in the process.
Chelsea started the match on the front foot, capitalizing on an early mistake by City’s debutant, Abdukodir Khusanov. The Uzbek player, who was making his Premier League debut, mishit a header back towards his own goal, allowing Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson to quickly set up Noni Madueke, who scored the opening goal. This early setback put City in a difficult position.
However, Pep Guardiola’s side quickly regrouped, with Josko Gvardiol scoring the equalizer. The Croatian defender had been a constant threat throughout the match, and his persistence paid off when he slotted the ball into an empty net just before halftime, after a save by Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez.
The second half saw Haaland take control of the game. First, he put City ahead with a stunning chip over Sanchez in the 68th minute, following a powerful run that saw him outmuscle Chelsea’s Trevoh Chalobah. Sanchez, who had come off his line, was caught out of position, and Haaland’s cool finish gave City the lead.
The Norwegian striker wasn’t done yet, as he turned provider for Phil Foden in the final moments of the game. Haaland’s precise layoff allowed Foden to score and seal the victory with a calm finish, securing his sixth goal in his last four league appearances.
Chelsea, on the other hand, continue to struggle in the league, having won only once in their last seven Premier League games. They now sit in sixth place, and much of the blame has been placed on goalkeeper Robert Sanchez for his role in both of City’s goals, particularly Haaland’s decisive chip.
