In the aftermath of Chelsea’s thrilling 4-4 draw with Manchester City, Mauricio Pochettino displayed visible fury, requiring intervention from his coaching staff as he confronted referee Anthony Taylor. The dramatic encounter concluded with Cole Palmer, a former City player, converting an injury-time penalty to level the score.
Despite Palmer’s late equalizer, referee Taylor controversially decided to end the game in the 111th minute, adding three minutes to the initially indicated eight minutes of added time. Pochettino vehemently disagreed with the timing and approached Taylor, expressing his frustration with expletives.
Pochettino’s coaching staff intervened to restrain him, resulting in a booking for the manager due to his protests. Even while restrained, Pochettino continued to glare angrily at Taylor.
Earlier in the match, Taylor’s decision to award a penalty to City had sparked controversy. The penalty was given for a foul by Marc Cucurella on Erling Haaland, a decision upheld by VAR despite replays suggesting Haaland’s initial contact with the Chelsea defender.
This decision drew criticism from Chelsea, with Pochettino expressing disapproval and Jamie Carragher criticizing the call during commentary. The first half concluded with Manuel Akanji’s header leveling the score for City. Haaland added another goal for City early in the second half, but Chelsea responded with Nicolas Jackson’s goal.
Rodri appeared to seal the win with a goal that deflected off Silva, but Palmer’s late penalty ensured a share of the points in a match that unfolded as an instant classic.
