Midfielder Rodri admits that Manchester City made many individual mistakes in the 4-4 draw against Chelsea in the 12th round of the Premier League.
“I don’t think this match was Manchester City’s best performance,” Rodri said after the match at Stamford Bridge. “Individually, we must reassess ourselves because conceding four goals is not normal for Manchester City. But at the same time, the team will continue to make efforts. Sometimes football is like that. We scored four goals, but the result is unpleasant.”
Manchester City took the lead in this match with Erling Haaland’s penalty. Still, it then allowed Chelsea to score two consecutive goals with Thiago Silva’s header and Raheem Sterling’s close-range finish. In injury time, the away team leveled the score with Manuel Akanji’s headed goal.
In the second half, Manchester City twice took the lead with goals from Haaland and Rodri but couldn’t protect the result. In the 67th minute, Conor Gallagher unleashed a powerful shot from outside the penalty area, making it difficult for Ederson to save, allowing Nicolas Jackson to pounce on the rebound and equalize 3-3. In the fourth minute of injury time, Ruben Dias fouled Armando Broja in the penalty area, resulting in a penalty for Chelsea. Cole Palmer didn’t miss the opportunity to seal the 4-4 draw.
This is the fourth time in Premier League history when one team scored and the other team leveled, and the first time since the iconic 4-4 draw between Liverpool and Arsenal in April 2009. It’s also the first time a club managed by Pep Guardiola scored four goals and conceded four in 882 matches in his coaching career.
Rodri praised Chelsea’s meticulous preparation, choosing a counter-attacking defensive style with fast and strong players. The Spanish midfielder also acknowledged that “The Blues” have recruited many quality players and improved their level. “Honestly, we feel exhausted,” Rodri added. “Matches like this, with that pace. We know how difficult it is to come here. We tried to play in our familiar style, but faced many difficulties. At home, Chelsea created good pressure.”
The draw against Chelsea is enough to help Manchester City maintain the top spot and create a one-point gap with Arsenal and Liverpool. Rodri sees this as a positive point and wants the team to continue holding this position after the international break. “At the moment, we are the strongest team, so we have to continue working similarly,” the 27-year-old midfielder expressed. “Like other seasons, there will be ups and downs this season. But we have to ensure that the whole team shows unity.”
In the 13th round on November 25, Manchester City will host Liverpool at the Etihad.
