Chelsea

It took the travelling Blues just three minutes to open the scoring in Manchester. A horror mistake from City debutant Abdukodir Khusanov saw Nicolas Jackson through on goal. The striker then squared it to Noni Madueke, who had an open goal.

City thought they levelled later in the first-half through another debutant in Omar Marmoush but the Egyptian was flagged offside. The hosts were level, though, not too long after with Josko Gvardiol scoring after Matheus Nunes saw his initial effort saved.

Erling Haaland put City ahead later in the half with Robert Sanchez's positioning allowing the striker a relatively simple finish. Haaland then turned provider for City's third of the game, assisting Phil Foden to wrap it up for the home side.

Below, Bobby Vincent rates the Chelsea players based on their performances at the Etihad after a 3-1 defeat.

Robert Sanchez - 3

Got away with one massively in the first-half after spilling a shot and allowing Marmoush to score the rebound, with the City attacker offside - though had Bernardo Silva instead converted, it would have been given. He didn't get away with it in the second-half, though, with his positioning gifting the hosts the opportunity to go ahead.

Reece James - 6

Had a difficult evening but he dealt well. Was being pinned back by the lively Marmoush. Didn't have too much help from the winger in front of him either.

Trevoh Chalobah - 6

Overall, another good performance but he did get a bit bullied by Haaland for the Norwegian's goal.

Levi Colwill - 4

Booked for time-wasting which was silly so early on. Made a mistake on 51 minutes that almost lead to a goal for Haaland. Bullied by Haaland for the Foden goal.

Marc Cucurella - 6

Mr. Consistent this season for the Blues. Cucurella was - once again - solid for Chelsea and offered a threat on the overlap.

Moises Caicedo - 7

Imperious in the middle of the park. Big games need big players and he was certainly that for Chelsea on Saturday evening.

Enzo Fernandez - 6

The Argentine got Chelsea away on plenty of counter-attacks. He couldn't get as forward as he would have hoped given the nature of the match.

Noni Madueke - 6

Back-to-back games Madueke has now scored in, which is great. However, his defensive work was not so great. Played Nunes onside for the equaliser and often did not fulfil his duty of tracking back enough - especially in the first-half - with Gvardiol repeatedly getting in.

Cole Palmer - 5

Should have done better to find Jackson not long after the first goal - and then it would have been 2-0. Not as involved as usual.

Jadon Sancho - 5

I would've liked him to have gotten the ball more early on to take advantage of the extremely nervous Khusanov.

Nicolas Jackson - 6

Unselfishly squared it to Madueke to open the scoring. Off on the hour-mark.

SUBS

Christopher Nkunku (on for Jackson 61') - 5

Came on for the final 30 minutes. Didn't notice him too much. He's not a No.9, as Enzo Maresca continues to reiterate.

Pedro Neto (on for Sancho 73') - N/A

Perhaps came on too late. Didn't see enough of him on the left-hand side.

Malo Gusto (on for James 73') - N/A

Felt like a pre-planned sub to protect James more than anything.