Rodri late strike earns Man City a point against Chelsea

Manchester City secured a crucial 1-1 Premier League draw against Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday evening, thanks to a late goal from midfielder Rodri.

City had an energetic start with Julian Alvarez missing a chance in the opening two minutes and Erling Haaland sending a header wide when a simple tap-in seemed a better option.

Despite Chelsea posing a threat on the counter, City's defence held firm - goalkeeper Ederson notably denying Nicolas Jackson in a one-on-one situation.

However, on the stroke of half-time, Raheem Sterling capitalised on a counter and slotted the ball into the net after cutting inside Kyle Walker.

The second period saw Haaland miss another great chance, the Norwegian struggling to control his strike from a Phil Foden cross. and Chelsea remained a threat. 

In fact, Ederson was again called into action to make key saves, including one very good stop from Sterling and a follow-up from Ben Chilwell. 

From the hour mark onwards, Pep Guardiola's side pressed aggressively in search of an equaliser. Haaland had another golden opportunity from a Kevin De Bruyne cross, but his header flew over the bar with the goal at his mercy. 

It appeared that City would be left frustrated, but cometh the hour, cometh the man, and with eight minutes left midfield lynchpin Rodri netted another crucial goal for his side, the Spaniard's powerful volley deflected into the roof of the net by Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah.

Despite City's late surge, Chelsea held on, surviving a VAR check in stoppage time, to record a result that could have significant implications in the title race.

Following the draw, the Citizens are two points behind second-placed Arsenal and four off leaders Liverpool.

Guardiola's side will now play their game in hand at home to Brentford on Tuesday, while Chelsea face Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final next Sunday.