Chelsea captain Reece James challenges Man City’s Omar Marmoush (Image: Getty)
were left to rue a glaring mistake by in their 3-1 defeat to on Saturday.
A mistake from debutant Abdukodir Khusanov allowed Noni Madueke to prod home into an open net inside three minutes. But the champions fought back valiantly and another new signing, Omar Marmoush, was denied a goal by the offside flag.
City weren’t behind for long as Matheus Nunes’ strike ricocheted into the path of Josko Gvardiol and the Croatian slid home.
The hosts took charge of the contest when and Phil Foden scored in the second half to hand ‘s men all three points.
Express Sport analyses the player ratings after their disappointing collapse at the Etihad Stadium.
Robert Sanchez 2
Khusanov was on for the pantomime villain role but ‘s stopper had other ideas. He didn’t improve from spilling an early Gundogan effort, taking a mindless decision to race off his line and Haaland punished him. Maresca’s faith in him looks misguided at best and stubborn at worst.
Reece James 5
If he is going to be captain, he needs to play with more fire in his belly. There was nothing wrong with his display, but little to shout about either. Got 73 minutes under his belt, which is encouraging.
Trevoh Chalobah 4
A man-of-the-match performance last time out offered promising signs for the centre-back. And while he was exposed in the equaliser, he kept quiet in the first half. Didn’t cover himself in glory for the second or third goals, however.
Levi Colwill 4
Booked for timewasting after 24 minutes, which might be a new record. The defender’s return to the side was far from comfortable as Marmoush ran him ragged, and Foden’s goal came from some poor defending on his part.
Robert Sanchez was far off his line for Erling Haaland’s goal (Image: Getty)
Marc Cucurella 5
Caught out by Nunes’ run to spring the offside trap and generally did not look comfortable with the ball. The Spaniard wasted a brilliant chance early in the second half.
Moises Caicedo 5
Struggled for control in the midfield as City enjoyed total control, but never stopped running. Committed a number of fouls in the middle. Booked.
Enzo Fernandez 5
Back in the team after a bout of illness, the Argentinian didn’t seem to be 100 per cent and was half a yard off the pace. Still, his passes from deep caused City problems, especially in the second half.
6
Eager to impress against his former club, the playmaker had a glorious chance to put 2-0 up. However, his square pass for Jackson was slightly overhit and the chance went begging.
Noni Madueke gave Chelsea the lead after three minutes. (Image: Getty)
Noni Madueke 6
Tapped home the opener after Jackson seized upon Khusanov’s error but neglected his defensive duties for the City equaliser. Posed a threat with Gvardiol so far up the pitch.
Jadon Sancho 5
Spent most of the first half on the periphery of the game, aside from when he missed a golden chance to double their lead after a block from Khusanov.
Nicolas Jackson 5
His assist for the opener shows his alertiveness off the ball. On it, the Senegalese’s confidence has evaporated, which was evident from his reluctance to shoot. Now seven league games without a goal and hooked on the hour.
Substitutes
Christopher Nkunku (on 61′) 5
The Frenchman seems to be going through the motions as speculation continues over his future.
(on 73′) 5
After a disappointing few games, the Portuguese looked eager to take on his man, but didn’t have much of an impact.
Malo Gusto (on 73′) 5
Left wanting for the City third goal.
Unused: Jorgensen, Disasi, Tosin, Dewsbury-Hall, Acheampong, Guiu.