Abdukodir Khusanov's Manchester City debut: A tale of two halves
It was a nightmare start to a Premier League debut. A terrible mistake to gift Chelsea the opener and a booking within four minutes - £33.6m Manchester City new boy Abdukodir Khusanov looked genuinely scared.
"It was not the best start," admitted City manager Pep Guardiola. Striker Erling Haaland was more blunt, calling it a "horrific start" for the team as a whole.
Learning From Mistakes
Thankfully for former Lens defender Khusanov, his evening got better. Goals from Josko Gvardiol, Haaland and Phil Foden ensured Khusanov's first game ended in a 3-1 win that propelled City back into the Premier League's top four.
The defending champions are now unbeaten in six league matches, winning four of their past five - having previously won one in nine. Their recent run has reignited Champions League qualification hopes, and they are now just six points off second-placed Arsenal.
A Promising Partnership
While teenager Reis watched the game from the dugout, Marmoush also started and looked a threat, having a goal disallowed for offside and showing plenty of signs that his combination with Haaland could be profitable.
"I have seen him in the Bundesliga," Haaland told BBC Match of the Day. "You can see he has something special and it is going to be fantastic playing with him."
Chelsea's Goalkeeping Conundrum
Khusanov was not the only player to make a huge error. Given his age and the amount of time he has been in the country, the Uzbekistan international's error was forgivable.
The one from Chelsea keeper Robert Sanchez was much less so, as he initially advanced off his line when Haaland tussled with Trevoh Chalobah to reach Ederson's long punt downfield.
Realising he was getting nowhere he started moving back, leaving himself in no man's land as Haaland calmly curled the ball over his head and into the net to put City in front for the first time.
Conclusion
Despite Khusanov's shaky start, Manchester City managed to secure a crucial victory. The young defender has shown potential, and with time and experience, he could become a valuable asset to the team. Chelsea, on the other hand, will need to address their goalkeeping situation if they want to challenge for the Premier League title.
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