Four goals graced the first half of the Chelsea vs. Manchester City clash, as both teams displayed remarkable attacking prowess. Erling Haaland opened the scoring for Man City, but Chelsea quickly turned the tables with goals from Thiago Silva and Raheem Sterling. Manuel Akanji’s header brought City back to level terms, concluding an action-packed first half at Stamford Bridge.
Match Overview
The opening minutes witnessed intense play from both sides, with Chelsea exerting more pressure on the Man City defense without creating clear-cut chances.
Amid Chelsea’s pressure, Man City created an opportunity as Josko Gvardiol’s header met Julian Alvarez’s cross, but it was easily caught by Robert Sanchez.
Passing the 20-minute mark, Man City claimed a penalty after Marc Cucurella fouled Erling Haaland, a decision confirmed by VAR. Haaland confidently converted the penalty, giving Man City a 1-0 lead in the 25th minute.
However, Man City’s lead was short-lived. Less than five minutes later, Chelsea leveled the score to 1-1. Thiago Silva rose above the defense to head the ball into the far corner from a corner kick on the right.
In the 33rd minute, Man City had a promising chance as Phil Foden made a run down the right wing, delivering a cross that Sanchez couldn’t reach. Haaland attempted a shot but was too close to the goalpost, and the ball went out.
Chelsea turned the tide, taking a 2-1 lead in the 37th minute. Reece James provided a long pass from the back, controlled by Sterling, who easily slotted the ball into the net from inside the penalty area.
Sanchez made a spectacular save in the closing minutes, denying Haaland’s powerful shot from a one-on-one situation.
Man City equalized just before halftime. Manuel Akanji headed home a corner from the left, making it 2-2.
Player Lineups
CHELSEA: Robert Sanchez, Reece James, Disasi, Thiago Silva, Cucurella, Enzo Fernandez, Conor Gallagher, Moses Caicedo, Cole Palmer, Raheem Sterling, Nicolas Jackson
MANCHESTER CITY: Ederson, Kyle Walker, Akanji, Ruben Dias, Gvardiol, Rodri, Bernardo Silva, Jeremy Doku, Phil Foden, Julian Alvarez, Haaland
