In a dramatic conclusion to Chelsea’s 4-4 draw with Manchester City, an enraged Mauricio Pochettino had to be restrained by his coaching staff as he confronted referee Anthony Taylor. The thrilling match saw former City player Cole Palmer scoring an injury-time penalty to level the score.
Despite Palmer’s equalizer, referee Taylor blew the final whistle in the 111th minute, adding three minutes to the initially displayed eight minutes of added time. Pochettino vehemently disagreed with the timing and approached Taylor, shouting and gesturing angrily. Expressing his frustration, Pochettino shouted, “What the f***” at the match official.
Two members of Pochettino’s coaching staff intervened, pulling him away from the referee. Despite being retrained, Pochettino continued to glare angrily at Taylor, resulting in a booking for the manager due to his protests.
Earlier in the game, Taylor’s decision to award a penalty to City had already caused controversy. The penalty was given when Marc Cucurella brought down Erling Haaland, a decision upheld by VAR despite replays indicating Haaland’s initial grab of the Chelsea defender. This decision drew ire from Chelsea, with Pochettino visibly expressing his 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 for City early in the second half, but Chelsea responded with Nicolas Jackson’s goal. Rodri then scored what appeared to be the winner, deflecting off Silva.
However, Palmer’s late penalty ensured a share of the spoils in a match that unfolded as an instant classic.
Pochettino was ready to fight Anthony Taylor at full time. #CFC ????@CFCDaily @LondonBluePod pic.twitter.com/jYt5IeQWZ7
— Ishan Shah (@ishan04shah) November 12, 2023