Manchester City secured a late draw against Chelsea as Rodri's powerful strike found the net, maintaining City's unbeaten home record. Raheem Sterling gave Chelsea the lead just before halftime with a skillful finish in a counter-attack.
Despite Chelsea's resilience on the break, City piled on pressure in the second half, with Erling Haaland missing crucial chances. Rodri's late equalizer salvaged a point for City, who drop to third in the table, while Chelsea's solid display sets the stage for their upcoming Carabao Cup final at Wembley.
The game, played in challenging weather conditions, lacked the chaos of their previous 4-4 draw, but Chelsea's defensive efforts and counter-attacks added to the drama. Sterling, facing his former team, displayed composure in scoring, and Chelsea's plan to surge forward when winning the ball back proved effective.
Despite City's dominance in possession, Chelsea's well-organized defense and goalkeeper Dorde Petrovic's saves kept them at bay. Haaland's missed opportunities, including a wayward header, added to City's frustration until Rodri's late intervention.
Pep Guardiola's side faced defensive lapses in the first half but improved after the break, launching a barrage of attempts. City had 31 shots, but it seemed a single goal would elude them until Rodri's strike. Haaland, in particular, missed clear chances, contributing to City's offensive struggles.
Despite controversial decisions favoring Chelsea in penalty appeals, City's determination earned them a crucial point. The draw sees City drop to third in the standings, trailing leaders Liverpool by four points with a game in hand, while Chelsea prepares for the Carabao Cup final after an impressive performance.
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