LONDON: Cole Palmer’s late penalty allowed Chelsea to tie treble champions Manchester City 4-4 in Premier League action at Stamford Bridge.
City squandered a goal advantage three times and the hosts just once, and Chelsea striker Palmer was decisive in the match against his former team.
Despite missing the opportunity to move to three points at the top of the league, City manager Guardiola, who is now only one point ahead of Liverpool, admitted to being excited about the classic clash.
“You enjoyed it? It’s a good advertisement and an exciting game for the English Premier League.
“It was a tough match. Now I think it was a fair result. Both teams played to win.
“We didn’t make the right decision after leading 4-3. This is the first time for me at Stamford Bridge we created a lot of chances, but they were the same,” said Guardiola.
Chelsea manager Pochettino agreed with Guardiola’s assessment of the eight-goal clash.
“We want to win and be the protagonists in this match. Matches like today prove why the English Premier League is the best in the world,” said Pochettino.
Erling Haaland’s penalty put City in front before Thiago Silva headed in Chelsea’s equaliser.
Raheem Sterling then headed past his former club to give Chelsea the lead, but Manuel Akanji replied with a header that leveled the score again before the break.
Continuing the second half, Haaland once again found the target but Nicolas Jackson scored Chelsea’s equaliser.
Rodri’s 86th-minute goal seemed to secure the three points for City, but rising star Palmer, who was sold by Guardiola in September, converted an injury-time penalty after Ruben Dias fouled Armando Broja.
As soon as the match ended, Pochettino rushed towards the referee, Anthony Taylor who blew the whistle as his team was attacking.
Pochettino also forgot to greet Guardiola after the match, but later apologized for his actions.