“Have never see player like that before” Erling Haaland admits he was surprised at £60K Chelsea player as striker shares what he noticed about Chelsea in defeat to Man City
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Chelsea’s Costly Missteps: A 3-1 Loss at the Etihad
Chelsea walked away from the Etihad Stadium with only disappointment to show for their efforts, suffering a 3-1 loss to Manchester City. It was a match that highlighted both their promising potential and glaring vulnerabilities.
A Perfect Start, Wasted Opportunity
The Blues couldn’t have wished for a better start. Just three minutes in, Noni Madueke seized on a costly mistake by Abdukodir Khusanov, who is still adjusting to the pace and pressure of English football. Madueke’s quick reaction gave Chelsea an early lead, but it was a fleeting moment of joy.
Despite Khusanov’s evident lack of confidence, Chelsea failed to press their advantage. Manager Enzo Maresca and his team lacked the conviction to take control of the game, and it cost them dearly.
Erling Haaland and Sanchez’s Costly Positioning
By halftime, Manchester City had leveled the score, and it was none other than Erling Haaland who put them ahead. His goal, initially appearing to be a challenging effort, was made much easier thanks to Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez’s questionable positioning.
Sanchez hesitated, abandoning his initial plan to challenge for a long ball and leaving himself stranded in “no man’s land.” Haaland, ever the opportunist, calmly slotted the ball into the net, later admitting to Sky Sports that even he was surprised by the gift-wrapped chance.
“I thought Sanchez was going to get it at first,” Haaland remarked. “But then he stopped, and it was just about staying calm and putting it in the back of the net.”
Haaland’s View on City’s Approach
Haaland also credited Manchester City’s tactical flexibility for their success.
“Chelsea went man-to-man quickly, leaving a lot of space because their defensive line was so high. Ederson knows how to find me with precision. Sometimes, even we can go direct, and that goal was a prime example of good timing and an incredible pass.”
Sanchez’s Errors: A Growing Concern for Chelsea
Robert Sanchez’s errors are becoming a recurring theme this season. No Premier League goalkeeper has made more mistakes leading directly to goals, and Chelsea supporters are growing increasingly frustrated.
The dissatisfaction with Sanchez was palpable after the match against Wolves, with fans questioning Maresca’s continued preference for him over Filip Jorgensen. While Maresca remains steadfast in his support for Sanchez, these blunders are costing Chelsea crucial points in their push for a top-four finish.
A Defining Moment for Chelsea’s Season
Chelsea’s inability to capitalize on a strong start and their repeated defensive lapses underline the need for urgent changes. If Maresca and his team hope to secure Champions League qualification, they must address these vulnerabilities before it’s too late.
