Sun Jan 26 02:44:43 UTC 2025: ## City’s Khusanov Suffers Nightmare Debut in Victory Over Chelsea
**Manchester, England (AP) —** Manchester City’s newly acquired defender, Abdukodir Khusanov, endured a baptism of fire in his Premier League debut on Saturday, making a costly error that led to Chelsea’s opening goal within the first three minutes of the match. Despite the early setback, City went on to secure a 3-1 victory over their rivals at the Etihad Stadium.
The 20-year-old Uzbek international, signed this week from Lens for €40 million, was thrust into the starting lineup by manager Pep Guardiola due to injury concerns surrounding John Stones. Khusanov’s underhit header back to goalkeeper Ederson allowed Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson to capitalize, setting up a simple goal for Noni Madueke. To compound the difficult start, Khusanov received a yellow card in the fourth minute – the earliest yellow card for a debutant in the Premier League since 2018.
Despite the shaky beginning, Guardiola expressed empathy for the young player. “It is not easy for him,” Guardiola said, highlighting the immediate challenge of facing Chelsea’s attacking talent. He emphasized that Khusanov’s experience would be a valuable learning opportunity.
Fellow newcomer Omar Marmoush, a forward signed from Eintracht Frankfurt for a reported €70 million, fared much better, contributing positively to City’s performance. Khusanov was substituted in the 54th minute to a warm applause from the home crowd and a supportive embrace from Guardiola. The manager praised the team’s unity and the fans’ encouragement of the new players, underscoring the belief that Khusanov will learn and improve from the experience.
First Piper 