Raheem Sterling put the visitors ahead after 42 minutes, curling into the corner beyond Ederson.
Pep Guardiola‘s side emerged with an attacking intensity after the interval and came close on multiple occasions through Erling Haaland.
However, it was Rodrigo who levelled after 83 minutes, blasting the ball off Trevoh Chalobah and into the roof of the net, claiming his 20th top-flight goal of his career.
Despite having 32 shots, 79 touches in the Chelsea box and 71% possession, we were forced to settle for a point.
“I think we weren’t great in the first half, to be honest,” he reflected. “We conceded another easy goal. I think we have to defend better. They almost created nothing in the first half.
“We knew about their counter-attacks and fast players, but I think we have to defend the counter-attack better. We have to be honest with ourselves. From there, it’s always more difficult to come back.
“We gave everything I think, the example is the second half, we played amazing. It wasn’t enough. Of course, it’s more easy when you score first, that is what it is, but it’s a matter of defending better.
“We tried in the second half. We made chances, [we had more] spirit, we wanted the ball and wanted to take risks.
“It was in our hands and we have to do better individual actions and you can’t let the game go this way. I’m not blaming anyone but we have to take responsibility if we want to win the league.
“We had chances to win and I felt the momentum but sometimes it’s a bit frustrating and the ball doesn’t go in.”
The point means we’re now four points behind league leaders Liverpool, with a game in hand.
The draw also helps us maintain our incredible unbeaten home record in the Premier League, extending the run without a loss at the Etihad to 23 matches.
Rodrigo believes there is enough experience, hunger and positive mentality in the squad to continue fighting for the league title until the end of the season.
“There’s still a long way until the end of the season. We have to win against Brentford.
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“We were on a very good run and we know none of us three [City, Liverpool and Arsenal] will win every game until the end. We have to have strong mentality and move on to the next one.
“We have enough experience to know it’s just the beginning of the last part of the season.
“We want to win but we have to check ourselves and in the first half with our defending we have to be stronger for the rest of the season.”
