What happened...
Thierry Ambrose marked his first appearance at the Academy Stadium in over 12 months with an excellent finish as 10-man City were held to a 2-2 draw by their Chelsea counterparts.
Ambrose, a half-time substitute after a long term injury, scored from close range midway through the second half after Lukas Nmecha’s opener had been cancelled out by Ike Ugbo.
It looked likely to be the difference between the sides until Mason Mount’s late equaliser for Chelsea.
Despite a first half in which both sides spent most of their time in possession closer to their own goal, City still managed to carve out a few chances.
City worked two openings in the first half with both James Horsfield and Angelino delivering excellent crosses beyond everyone in the area.
Aleix Garcia’s corner on the stroke of half time was the first cross to be met by a City player with Lukas Nmecha arriving first to flick past Collins in the Chelsea goal.
View highlights of the recent victory over Liverpool below...
If Nmecha’s finish put City in charge, they surrendered that advantage immediately in the second half. An innocuous corner wasn’t dealt with by City and Ike Ugbo turned home.
That goal inspired Chelsea to press higher up the pitch but the skill and composure of City’s deeper players allowed them to pass their way out.
City restored their lead after 65 minutes when Ambrose collected a headed pass from Isaac Buckley and rifled a left footed effort past Collins.
After Cameron Humphreys’ sending off late in the match for two bookable offences, City were on the back foot and they were caught out as Mount guaranteed a share of the points shortly before the end.
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What it means...
City move back top of the Premier League 2 on 23 points ahead of Everton’s trip to Southampton on Monday night.
City’s Premier League Cup team welcome Hull City to the Academy Stadium on the 2 December. Visit the ticket office for information on how you can support our future at upcoming home fixtures.
Key moment...
City had tried a number of different styles of cross in order to beat the Chelsea defence but Garcia’s floated effort to the front post was perfect for Nmecha and it gave City the upper hand.
Man of the match...
James Horsfield - ’Horsy’ moved back to his original position of centre midfield for this showing and it paid dividends.
A driving force through a stubborn Chelsea defence, Horsfield was essential in creating space for City’s creative forces.
How they lined up...
Billy O’Brien remained as goalkeeper and captain for Simon Davies’ domestic side.
Pablo Maffeo, Cameron Humphreys, Tosin Adarabioyo and Angelino were the defence protecting O’Brien’s goal.
Aleix Garcia sat at the base of the midfield behind James Horsfield and Brahim Diaz while Isaac Buckley-Ricketts and Lukas Nmecha flanked Paolo Fernandes.
Substitutes: Grimshaw, Kongolo, Boadu, Nemane, Ambrose
Confused about the format and rules of the Premier League 2? Here’s a handy guide to explain all the competitions our youngsters will be taking part in this season.
