The two points dropped could prove crucial. Can a key player’s return turn the tide in the title race? Enzo Fernandez’s late equalizer, securing a 1-1 draw for Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium, feels like a significant hurdle for Manchester City, one that necessitates an all-hands effort from Guardiola’s squad.
Fortunately for City, Pep Guardiola saw his top midfielder, Rodri, complete a full 90 minutes for the first time since September. When at his best, Rodri dominates the game. With City currently sitting six points behind the Premier League leaders, a winning streak is vital, one that might emerge if they can control matches like they once did.
The return of Rodri after 469 days, following a serious ACL injury that hampered City last season, is a massive boost. Following a promising cameo against Sunderland, this match provided hope for City fans. Past performances had raised expectations, but the renewed energy in Rodri’s play felt distinct.
One standout moment came with eight minutes to go in the first half. Rodri powered through midfield, shrugging off Josh Acheampong and driving into the penalty area. Although Chelsea managed to neutralize the immediate threat, his presence forced their defense into disarray. Shortly after, Rodri skillfully maneuvered out of pressure and delivered a precise pass to Erling Haaland, whose shot reverberated off the far post.
It’s essential to note that Chelsea’s setup played into Rodri’s strengths. They seemed unaware of his drifting movements into their midfield gaps. The lack of pressure on the City defenders allowed for seamless ball distribution. Rodri always had the time to make decisions, or he was drawn into fouls instead. Chelsea entered the match with noticeable weaknesses, especially with Moises Caicedo absent and head coach Calum McFarlane lacking senior management experience.
Rodri displayed an instinctive understanding of how to exploit the gaps in Chelsea’s unfamiliar system. Although his involvement in Tijani Reijnders’ goal was minimal, it showcased his ability to draw defenders away, allowing Bernardo Silva space for a penetrative pass. The introduction of Andrey Santos in the second half finally gave Chelsea some control, allowing them to counterattack.
In the first half, City resembled their former selves, controlling the attacking third and stifling Chelsea’s offensive efforts. Rodri won nearly all his duels and tackles, a vital contribution. The one shot allowed and five penalty box touches in the first 45 minutes reflected a level of dominance that had only been seen against weaker opponents previously. Chelsea appeared outmatched, but Rodri’s influence played a significant role in that.
The second half’s silver lining for City was Rodri’s endurance. This was crucial as both Josko Gvardiol and Ruben Dias exited with injuries. Throughout the season, Guardiola had mostly avoided injury issues in the backline, but Gvardiol’s previous absence had already raised concerns. The current defensive lineup may lack the strength of past City defenses, but time spent together can build resilience. When it transitioned to an untested partnership featuring Abdukodir Khusanov and Nathan Ake, flanked by Nico O’Reilly and Matheus Nunes, vulnerability became apparent.
Ultimately, Chelsea’s Malo Gusto exploited the right flank, delivering a cross that eluded multiple City defenders, finding Enzo Fernandez, who scored the equalizer. The hosts should have never allowed that goal. Missed opportunities by Haaland and others illustrated the frustration Guardiola felt at the match’s end. City now faces a much tougher challenge ahead, and Rodri’s top form will be essential in their pursuit of the title.
