Man City 1-1 Chelsea: Rodri goal cancels out Raheem Sterling strike but champions lose ground in title race (2025)

Rodri's late leveller earned Manchester City a 1-1 draw against Chelsea but the reigning champions lost ground in the Premier League title race.

Raheem Sterling's breakaway goal against his former club had given Mauricio Pochettino's men a deserved lead at the interval and Chelsea had chances to extend their advantage. Erling Haaland spurned a series of opportunities to equalise as City pushed.

But Pep Guardiola's team did find one of the goals they needed with Rodri's left-footed effort deflecting off Trevor Chalobah and into the net. They pushed for the winner, sparking a series of melees in the Chelsea box, but had to settle for the draw in a thrilling game.

Pochettino's team warranted it with their endeavour, the draw lifting them back above Wolves and into the top half of the table. City may rue the dropped points more. They are now third, four points behind the Premier League leaders Liverpool.

Player ratings

Man City: Ederson (7), Walker (7), Akanji (6), Dias (6), Ake (7), Rodri (8), De Bruyne (7), Foden (7), Alvarez (6), Doku (6), Haaland (6).

Subs used: Silva (6)

Chelsea: Petrovic (7), Gusto (8), Disasi (8), Colwill (8), Chilwell (7), Fernandez (7), Caicedo (6), Gallagher (7), Sterling (7), Palmer (7), Jackson (7).

Subs used: Nkunku (6), Casadei (6), Chalobah (6).

Player of the match: Axel Disasi.

  • Pep: I can't tell Haaland how to score | Poch: We showed real character
  • How the teams lined up | Match stats
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How the game unfolded

This fixture had finished 4-4 earlier in the season at Stamford Bridge and while the crowd was not quite treated to a repeat, it was always entertaining with opportunities at both ends. Chelsea, in improved form, showed that they can compete with the best.

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Haaland had been criticised by Guardiola for his poor body language in the first half against Everton last weekend. He came close to making a quicker impact this time around. His headed chance from Julian Alvarez's left-wing cross was directed over the bar.

Team news headlines

  • Pep Guardiola named perhaps the strongest Manchester City side available given that Bernardo Silva was only fit enough to make the bench. Jack Grealish and Josko Gvardiol missed out as expected through injury.
  • Raheem Sterling replaced Noni Madueke in the Chelsea team as one of two changes to the side that beat Crystal Palace. Levi Colwill came in for the injured Thiago Silva, as he did in the second half at Selhurst Park.

But it was Chelsea who had the better openings in the first half, looking a real threat on the counter-attack. They were able to play through the pressure and should have taken the lead before they did. Only Nicolas Jackson's poor touch allowed Ederson to smother.

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Jackson made up for that for Sterling's goal, however. After finding space himself on the right, his measured cross found the former City player who cut inside before curling the ball past Ederson and into the far corner. It was a deserved lead at the break.

Big wins for Liverpool and Arsenal earlier in the afternoon had put the spotlight on City in what looks like a three-team title race. Could they respond? Kevin De Bruyne curled a free-kick over. Haaland sliced a volley wide after being set up by Phil Foden.

Chelsea retained that counter-attacking threat, however. Cole Palmer, who left City early in the season, fed Malo Gusto and his cross was almost swept in by Sterling only for Ederson to produce a magnificent save with his feet. It proved to be a crucial stop.

After Haaland had improbably headed wide again, the ever impressive Rodri intervened. His shot was bound for the back of the net before the deflection. It salvaged one point. But with Liverpool and Arsenal in good form, will they regret not taking two more here?

Man City 1-1 Chelsea: Rodri goal cancels out Raheem Sterling strike but champions lose ground in title race (1)

Guardiola: I cannot give Haaland advice

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Man City 1-1 Chelsea: Rodri goal cancels out Raheem Sterling strike but champions lose ground in title race (2)

"It was a good game. First half we didn't perform too good, second half really good. We had chances and in the second half we were better," Guardiola told Sky Sports.

Speaking about Haaland's nine attempts without scoring, he added: "I played 11 years and scored 11 goals so I can't give too much advice to Erling. The next one he will score. In the first half we didn't perform well and that's what we have to improve."

Rodri: We have to defend better

"I think we weren't great in the first half. We conceded another easy goal. I think we have to defend better," Rodri told Sky Sports.

"We knew about their counter-attacks and fast players, but we have to defend the counter-attack better. From there, it's always more difficult to come back.

"It's a matter of defending better."

Pochettino: We were very brave

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Man City 1-1 Chelsea: Rodri goal cancels out Raheem Sterling strike but champions lose ground in title race (3)

"It was a very good performance," Pochettino told Sky Sports.

"Very pleased. I think that is the spirit that we want to show. We are working for that. I think they are the best team in the world and to show this performance, I think we need to be proud. We were very brave.

"First half was really good. I think we were aggressive with the ball going forward and winning duels. In the second half I think they dominated and they forced us to defend deeper.

"I think we sustained the effort and had some chances to win the game. I am so happy. It is a good draw for us and when you face this type of team I think it is important to be brave and fight in every aspect.

"Manchester City have the quality and capacity to create chances and they have amazing players. It is fantastic for us and we need to grow."

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Man City 1-1 Chelsea: Rodri goal cancels out Raheem Sterling strike but champions lose ground in title race (4)

Analysis: Chelsea getting their act together?

Guardiola had spoken of Chelsea's quality beforehand, describing them as "an exceptional team" but the suspicion was that this might be the familiar sound of the City boss praising opponents only for them to leave the Etihad Stadium on the end of a beating.

But Chelsea had their tactics spot on. They knew that City would have most of the possession but if they were able to keep their composure when under pressure and play that extra pass rather than just clear it, the openings would appear. They managed it time and again.

Palmer has that calmness, Gusto has the energy from deep. Jackson and Sterling have not always been as ruthless as they should have been this season - to say the least - and they missed chances in Manchester. But the goal was superb.

Pochettino will be just as pleased by the resilience shown. Conor Gallagher ran himself into the ground. Axel Disasi came up with block after block. Chelsea lost the lead late on. But they have found their spirit recently. That could be more important in the long run.

The match in stats

  • Manchester City are unbeaten in their last 23 Premier League games at the Etihad Stadium (W18 D5), drawing four of their last seven. Indeed, they've only lost one of their last seven home league games when conceding the opening goal (W4 D2).
  • This is Chelsea's first draw in the Premier League since November 2023, which also came against Manchester City (4-4), winning six and drawing six times each before today. In fact, the Blues are winless the last two times they've scored first in the top-flight, following a 4-2 defeat to Wolves earlier this month.
  • Only Liverpool (19) have gained more points from losing positions in the Premier League this season than Manchester City (18), which is their most in a top-flight campaign since 1993-94 (20).
  • Chelsea are without a clean sheet in their last 11 Premier League games against Manchester City, only against Blackburn Rovers in February 1999 (13 games) and against Arsenal in December 2004 (12 games) have they endured longer such runs in the competition.

What's next?

Man City play again in the Premier League on Tuesday as they host Brentford; kick-off 7.30pm. They return to Sky Sports next Saturday as they travel to Bournemouth on Saturday Night Football; kick-off 5.30pm.

Live: SNF

Man City 1-1 Chelsea: Rodri goal cancels out Raheem Sterling strike but champions lose ground in title race (5) Man City 1-1 Chelsea: Rodri goal cancels out Raheem Sterling strike but champions lose ground in title race (6)

It is another huge game for Chelsea next weekend as they take on Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley on Sunday February 25, live on Sky Sports; kick-off 3pm.

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Man City 1-1 Chelsea: Rodri goal cancels out Raheem Sterling strike but champions lose ground in title race (2025)

FAQs

Who kicked Man City out of Champions League? ›

Jude Bellingham revelled in Real Madrid's "beautiful" penalty shootout win over Manchester City which sent his side into the Champions League semi-finals, while Pep Guardiola rued the holders' missed chances in the tie.

Has Man City ever beaten Chelsea? ›

Goals from Erling Haaland and Mateo Kovacic earn 2-0 win over Enzo Maresca's Blues at Stamford Bridge. Manchester City started their Premier League title defence with a 2-0 victory at Chelsea.

What time is the Chelsea vs Manchester City game in the UK? ›

How to follow Chelsea v City on our official app. Manchester City begin our defence of the league title with a trip to Chelsea on Sunday 18 August, with kick-off in the capital scheduled for 16:30 (UK).

What was the score between Chelsea and Man City? ›

Result: Chelsea 0-2 Manchester City

Erling Haaland (18') gave Man City lead with smart close-range finish, assisted by Bernardo Silva. Nicolas Jackson's equaliser ruled out for offside just before half-time. Mateo Kovacic (84') sealed the win from outside the area.

Can Man City be stripped of their titles? ›

Manchester City are at risk of being relegated and having their Premier League titles stripped if found guilty of financial breaches, according to finance expert Dan Plumley.

Will Man City be punished for cheating? ›

“The independent commission that will hear the case will have almost limitless powers, and sanctions could range from fines to points deductions to expulsion from the Premier League. Manchester City will of course be aiming to be cleared of all charges, and nothing should be ruled out in this quite extraordinary case.”

Who has beaten Man City the most? ›

Arsenal have also defeated Manchester City in league competition on 87 occasions, which represents the most Manchester City have lost against any club.

Who has beaten Chelsea the most? ›

The side has lost more league games to Liverpool than to any other club, having been defeated by them 71 times in 162 encounters.

What is Man City's biggest loss? ›

Heaviest Defeats
#DateResult
1Dec 23, 19338:0
2Sep 21, 19579:2
3May 11, 20088:1
4Aug 18, 19628:1
1 more row

How many injuries does Chelsea have? ›

Chelsea suffered 43 separate injuries in the 2023-24 Premier League season, which is only topped by Manchester United's 45.

What channel is Man City Chelsea on USA? ›

This game is available for live TV broadcast on NBC. Streaming options are available on Fubo, which offers a FREE trial to new subscribers. This match can also be streamed on Universo NOW, Telemundo Deportes En Vivo, NBC app/site, Peacock.

Where can I watch Man City vs Chelsea in India? ›

The Premier League 2024-25 fixture between Chelsea and Manchester City will be live-streamed on the Disney+Hotstar app and website.

Has Chelsea ever beat Man City? ›

The Soccer Teams Manchester City and Chelsea played 63 Games since 1995. Among them, Manchester City won 28 games (Total Goals 84, PPG 1.3), Chelsea won 27 (Total Goals 84, PPG 1.3), and drew 8. Manchester City vs Chelsea Past H2H Results, Asian Handicap Win%: 16.7%, Total Goals Over%: 33.3%.

How many times did Man City win the Cup? ›

Manchester City adopted their sky blue home shirts in 1894, the first season with the current name. The club has won 10 league titles, seven FA Cups, eight League Cups, seven FA Community Shields, one UEFA Champions League, one European Cup Winners' Cup, one UEFA Super Cup and one FIFA Club World Cup.

How many times did Chelsea beat Man U? ›

Chelsea Fixture

The Soccer Teams Manchester United and Chelsea played 75 Games since 1995. Among them, Manchester United won 22 games (Total Goals 99, PPG 1.3), Chelsea won 24 (Total Goals 98, PPG 1.3), and drew 29. Manchester United vs Chelsea Past H2H Results, Asian Handicap Win%: 66.7%, Total Goals Over%: 50.0%.

Who eliminated Man City from the Champions League? ›

Real Madrid weathered the storm, silenced the crowd and ultimately ended Manchester City's brief hold on the Champions League.

Why Manchester City is out of Champions League? ›

Holders City beaten 4-3 on penalties by Real Madrid in quarter-final second leg, while Arsenal lose 1-0 at Bayern. Manchester City and Arsenal have both been knocked out of the UEFA Champions League at the quarter-final stage after losing to Real Madrid and Bayern Munich respectively.

Which teams have knocked Man City out of Champions League? ›

City's quest for a second successive Champions League crown was ended by Real Madrid who secured a dramatic 4-3 penalty shoot-out win at the Etihad after the sides had drawn 1-1 after 120 minutes and 4-4 on aggregate in our quarter-final second leg.

Who put Man City out of League Cup? ›

LONDON, Sept 27 (Reuters) - Newcastle United dumped Manchester City out of the League Cup 1-0 on Wednesday and drew a fourth round trip to holders Manchester United, who beat them in last season's final, as their reward.

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