Rodri Salvages Point But Manchester City Stumble In Premier League Title Race

Rodri's late equaliser extended Manchester City's year-long unbeaten record at home but a 1-1 draw against Chelsea on Saturday handed Liverpool and Arsenal a huge boost in the Premier League title race. Raheem Sterling gave Chelsea a first-half lead on his return to the Etihad and City were headed to a first defeat on home soil for 34 games until Rodri's deflected effort seven minutes from time. City move four points behind leaders Liverpool and two adrift of Arsenal, but have a game in hand on both their title rivals.

A 3-1 Champions League win in Copenhagen in midweek was City's 11th consecutive victory in all competitions as they appeared well set to defend the treble of Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup they won last season.

But Chelsea exposed chinks in the champions' armour.

City have kept just seven clean sheets in 24 Premier League games this season.

"I think we weren't great in the first half. We conceded another easy goal. I think we have to defend better," said Rodri.

"We knew about their counter-attacks and fast players, but we have to defend the counter-attack better. From there, it's always more difficult to come back."

Mauricio Pochettino's men have often saved their best performances for the biggest challenges during a difficult season for the Blues.

Chelsea took points off all three title contenders at home earlier in the season and finally produced a counter-attacking display on the road that offers Pochettino hope ahead of next weekend's League Cup final against Liverpool.

"I feel like the lads are confident," said Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher.

"We have had some good performances, and then today against a top team. I feel like we are going into the next game with a lot of confidence and