In a thrilling Premier League encounter at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester City overcame an early setback to secure a 3-1 victory against Chelsea. The match marked the debut of Manchester City’s new signing, Abdukodir Khusanov, who faced a challenging start but ultimately saw his team rise to the occasion. Manager Pep Guardiola acknowledged the difficulties Khusanov encountered, describing it as "not the best start," while striker Erling Haaland was more direct, calling it a "horrific" beginning for the entire team. However, goals from Josko Gvardiol, Haaland, and Phil Foden ensured that City not only recovered but also moved back into the top four of the league table. This performance has reignited hopes for Champions League qualification, with City now just six points behind second-placed Arsenal.

Khusanov, a 20-year-old defender acquired for £33.6 million, found himself in a precarious position within the first few minutes of his debut. His initial mistake involved heading the ball directly to Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson, leading to an early goal for Noni Madueke. Shortly after, he lost possession in his own half and committed a foul on Cole Palmer, earning him the earliest yellow card for a player on their Premier League debut since 2018. Former England midfielder Jamie Redknapp sympathized with Khusanov, likening his experience to having one's head in a tumble dryer. Despite these early struggles, Khusanov's evening improved as the match progressed, with City securing a decisive win.

The young Uzbek player’s introduction to English football has been anything but smooth. At just 20 years old, with limited senior experience and little command of the English language, Khusanov faces a steep learning curve. Guardiola expressed understanding, noting that the player is still adapting and has not even participated in a single training session with the team. The manager humorously added that he might need to learn Russian or Uzbek to better communicate with Khusanov. Despite the initial mishaps, Guardiola emphasized that the substitution was not due to the mistake but rather to manage the yellow card and prepare for upcoming matches.

Chelsea’s goalkeeper Robert Sanchez also had a night to forget. In a critical moment, Sanchez advanced off his line during a tussle between Haaland and Trevoh Chalobah, leaving himself stranded. Haaland capitalized on the error, curling the ball over Sanchez’s head to score a crucial goal. This incident marked Sanchez’s fifth error leading directly to a goal this season, raising questions about his reliability. Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, however, maintained trust in Sanchez, though he hinted at evaluating the situation before their next game against West Ham. Meanwhile, Omar Marmoush, another new addition to City, showed promise, nearly scoring and demonstrating potential synergy with Haaland.

The match highlighted both the challenges and resilience of young players making their debuts in high-pressure environments. While Khusanov’s start was rocky, his team’s ability to bounce back and secure a vital victory underscores the depth and strength of Manchester City. The win not only boosted City’s league position but also provided valuable lessons for the young players, setting the stage for future growth and success. As City prepares for its Champions League match, the focus remains on building momentum and maintaining their unbeaten streak in the league.