‘Premier League at its best’ – where does Chelsea 4-4 Man City rank?

Author: BBC Sport

“The Premier League at its best.”

Defences certainly were not on top as Chelsea and Manchester City played out an epic eight-goal 4-4 thriller where, finally, football was the main talking point.

In recent weeks officials and video assistant referees have taken centre stage but, bar a disputed City penalty which Erling Haaland scored to make it 1-0, it was the players and coaches who made this one.

After Haaland’s opener, 39-year-old Thiago Silva became Chelsea’s oldest goalscorer and Raheem Sterling netted against his old club.

Manuel Akanji levelled for City just before half-time and Haaland scored just after it – his 49th Premier League goal in his 47th game.

Nicolas Jackson, after his bizarre hat-trick against Tottenham, levelled again for Chelsea – but then Rodri scored what looked like a late winner for City.

However, deep in stoppage time, Chelsea had a spot-kick of their own which Cole Palmer – a summer signing from City – slammed home.

Former Liverpool and England defender Jamie Carragher called it “the Premier League at its best”.

He said on Sky Sports: “The game we all watched on Monday [Chelsea’s 4-1 win over Tottenham], it felt like everyone was talking about that game for days afterwards and I think this will be the same.

“It was fantastic and it just felt right that Chelsea got the equaliser. I know the Man City fans will be disappointed but it felt right that there shouldn’t be a winner in that game. It was that good.”

Ex-Chelsea goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer, watching for BBC Radio 5 Live, said: “That was an amazing game. From the start, the intensity was so high. It was a fantastic performance against the best side in the world at the moment.”

Former City defender Micah Richards added: “That was exceptional. It was fantastic. It had everything – goals, bad defending and tackles.

“Cole Palmer was outstanding, showing his worth. If you were a spectator, you got your money’s worth.”

‘Unbelievable’ Premier League delivers

With eight goals, two penalties and a whole host of storylines – including ex-players scoring against their former clubs – it is no wonder the pundits were purring over the spectacle.

And they were not the only ones.

Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino described it as “an amazing evening” despite only coming away with a draw at home.

“It was amazing – that is why the Premier League is the most unbelievable league in the world. Everybody wants to be involved in amazing games,” he added.

“It is difficult to talk as everyone wants to say how exciting the game was. Manchester City are the best team in the world and Chelsea were brave and tried to go for three points.”

Opposite number Pep Guardiola has enjoyed his fair share of crucial matches while in charge of Manchester City but even he could not hide his admiration for what both teams produced.

It was only the fifth match in Premier League history to feature as many as four equalising goals scored – and the first since 2009.

“It was a good advert and an entertaining game for the Premier League,” said Guardiola. “Both teams wanted to win. I wouldn’t have expected differently. Chelsea have a fantastic team and players.”

Where does this game rank?

This game has instantly become a Premier League classic – but where does it rank for you? We have selected 16 amazing games and you can choose your top 10.

12345678910

Confirm selection