Former Super Eagles coach reveals what he liked about Chelsea's first half in 1-1 draw v Man City

Former Super Eagles coach Sunday Oliseh has revealed what impressed him in the first half of Chelsea's 1-1 draw with reigning champions Manchester City in the latest fixture in the Premier League played on Saturday evening at the Etihad Stadium.

The Blues went into the game as the inferior side, having failed to get a win over the Citizens since they defeated them in the UEFA Champions League final in 2021.

More so, they had eighteen points lesser than Pep Guardiola's side despite playing a game more, heading into the clash.

The Stamford Bridge outfit defended doggedly though rode their luck as Erling Haaland missed a clear-cut opportunity early on in the game.

They took the lead in the 42nd minute through Raheem Sterling who beat his marker before firing the ball into the net to give the away side the lead against his former employers.

Oliseh was impressed with Chelsea's brilliant defending in the first half and shared that on his X account.

"Though just half way through, the spirited defending so far by Chelsea's central defenders is a pleasant surprise, finally," Oliseh said.

"With a little bit of luck Chelsea could have been 1-3 up. You should expect a 2nd half Man City fight back though"

Chelsea maintained their lead till the 83rd minute when Rodri drew level for Manchester City with a deflected shot.

Four minutes into the added time, they also escaped giving away a late penalty which could have handed the home side the lead.

Anglo-Nigerian winger Noni Madueke was an unused substitute in the game while Carney Chukwuemeka and Lesley Ugochukwu missed out due to injury.
 

Abdulkareem Abdulhamid

Photo Credit: premierleague.com

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