Chelsea player ratings vs Man City: Robert Sanchez disaster continues as Cole Palmer endures off night | OneFootball

Chelsea made a flying start but fell away on frustrating evening at Etihad Stadium

Chelsea’s top-four hopes suffered a significant blow after they let an early lead slip before falling to defeat at Manchester City.

Noni Madueke had punished debutant Abdukodir Khusanov’s error inside two minutes, but City hit back to level through Josko Gvardiol before half-time.

A mistake from Robert Sanchez then allowed Erling Haaland to put Pep Guardiola’s side ahead, before Phil Foden crowned a 3-1 victory.

Here’s how Enzo Maresca’s side rated at the Etihad Stadium...

Robert Sanchez 3

Got away with fumble when Omar Marmoush goal was disallowed, then baffling positioning for Haaland’s finish. A miracle that he keeps his shirt.

Reece James 5

Troubled all game by Gvardiol’s runs inside. Unable to offer any attacking threat before being hooked.

Trevor Chalobah 5

Kept his place despite Colwill’s return. Carried the ball out of defence well, but slip gave Haaland room to chip winner.

Levi Colwill 4

Mistake led to big Haaland chance, then bullied by the forward for City’s third. Booked for time-wasting.

Marc Cucurella 5

Caught the wrong side of Nunes in lead up to City leveller. Blazed a half-chance over the bar.

Moises Caicedo 5

Tidy enough but not as snappy in the challenge as usual, with Chelsea strangely hesitant to press. Booked.

Enzo Fernandez 5

Back after missing Wolves game through injury but looked a little off the pace.

Noni Madueke 6

Scored for the second game in a row with a simple finish but then caught napping for City equaliser.

Cole Palmer 4

Blew a golden chance to make it 2-0 when overhitting simple square pass for Jackson. A duff night by his high standards on return to former club.

Cole Palmer was poor on his return to Man City

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Jadon Sancho 5

Started brightly but impact faded and should have been replaced sooner.

Nicolas Jackson 5

Alert to punish Khusanov error early on with assist for Madueke, but decision-making was poor thereafter. Now on his longest league scoring drought since arriving.

Substitutes

Christopher Nkunku (Jackson 61’) 5

Sent on against City amid links with Manchester United. No real upturn.

Malo Gusto (James 73’) 5

Pedro Neto (Sancho 73’) 5