Chelsea’s grit: clash at Etihad ends in a draw

My Football Facts ⇒ ArticlesBy Martin Graham | 18th Feb 2024Chelsea surprised everyone with their resilient performance in their 1-1 draw at Manchester City. Raheem Sterling’s goal was countered by a slew of missed opportunities from Erling Haaland. The Blues showcased impressive defending throughout the game, diving in for crucial blocks and tackles to thwart City’s attacks. While a point at the Etihad Stadium is commendable, there’s a sense of missed opportunity for Chelsea, particularly considering they were leading for a portion of the match.

Conor Gallagher expressed the team’s disappointment after the game, noting that they were slightly let down because they were in the lead. Despite City’s dominance in possession, Chelsea created several scoring chances and felt they could have secured a win. The late equalizer dampened their spirits, but they were ultimately pleased to salvage a point from the tough encounter.

Pochettino’s tactical decisions under scrutinyMauricio Pochettino, under intense scrutiny, faced further criticism for his tactical decisions against Manchester City. While a draw at the Etihad might alleviate some pressure, questions persist about Pochettino’s selections and in-game management. Substitutions made during the match arguably contributed to Chelsea’s loss of momentum and allowed City to exert more dominance.

Christopher Nkunku’s substitution for Raheem Sterling seemed ineffective, with the former struggling to make an impact after returning from injury. Noni Madueke, who remained unused on the bench, could have provided a spark with his energy and familiarity with the team. Additionally, the timing of other substitutions, such as Cesare Casadei’s late entry, raised eyebrows, especially as he seemed unaware of the defensive danger that led to City’s equalizer.

Pochettino’s pressure continuesDespite the draw, pressure continues to mount on Mauricio Pochettino. His decision-making, often criticized during his tenure at Tottenham, came under fire once again as Chelsea failed to secure a victory against Manchester City.
As the title race intensifies, every point becomes crucial, and Pochettino must address the concerns surrounding his tactics and substitutions.

Martin Graham is an MFF sports writer