Chelsea stormed to a commanding 4-0 win away at Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League, as Calin Dimario’s side produced a first-half clinic at the City of Manchester Stadium.
It was an early flurry that undid the hosts. Joseph Haigh opened the scoring in the 12th minute with a well-timed header from inside the six-yard box. Just 17 minutes later, the winger doubled his tally in near-identical fashion – another poacher’s header that left Matt Silver stranded.
With City in disarray following an injury to Kenny Harding and a red card shortly after, Chelsea smelled blood. Zain Whatmough capitalised on a loose defensive sequence in the 31st minute to curl home from the edge of the box. Netanel Sahar rounded out the half with a header of his own, giving the Blues a four-goal lead going into the break.
Despite easing off in the second half, Chelsea remained in total control, limiting City to just three shots on target all game. Man of the Match Haigh (8.7) was electric on the left, finishing with two goals, four shots on target, and a constant threat in wide areas.
Elsewhere, Sahar’s header marked his second goal in as many Champions League games this season, while Whatmough again proved decisive in the final third. With this result, Chelsea go top of their group, boasting a 100% record after four games.
Match Facts:
Goals: Haigh (12, 29), Whatmough (31), Sahar (44)
xG: MCI 0.42 – 2.66 CHE
Shots: MCI 18 – 23 CHE
Possession: MCI 37% – 63% CHE
Attendance: 53,400