Chelsea’s brilliant run continued as they came from behind yet again to win at Etihad Stadium. But the match ended acrimoniously in the end when an atrocious tackle by Aguero on Luiz sparked a ruckus among the players resulting in the Argentine and Fernandinho getting red-carded.
Here is how the Blue brigade fared against Pep Guardiola’s City on Saturday.
Courtois (8/10) – Was really helpless for the own goal. He could have done very little to save that. Had to just sit tight for rest of the game. His save from Aguero early in the second half was a crucial one, though.
Cahill (7.5/10) – Deflected a goal but couldn’t have done anything, to be honest. While many would say that was unlucky, Conte would surely loathe such basic mistakes from his centre backs. Was disciplined for rest of the game.
Luiz (9/10) – Was really witty to stop Aguero with that nudge that went unnoticed in the first half. He is by far the best defender Chelsea have at the moment. Whenever Silva and Aguero linked up to get into the box, Luiz was up for it. Hopefully, he will be fit for the next fixture after that horrific tackle by Aguero.
Azpilicueta (8/10) – Was caught out of position many times, especially by Aguero’s pace. He gave away the ball too often, gifting possession to the City forwards on many occasions. But like Chelsea’s defence, his performance too improved in the second half.
Alonso (7.5/10) – He did his defensive duties quite well throughout the game and the icing on the cake was his lofted assist to Hazard for the third goal.
Fabregas (9/10) – He was given another chance to prove his impact on the game in the absence of Nemanja Matic. His first half performance was below average, but his impeccable ball to Costa was all that mattered to get Chelsea back in the game. One extra point for keeping cool when a ruffian-like Fernandinho was literally choking him.
Kanté (7.5/10) – He was a shadow of his real potent self in the first-half. He came to life occasionally with good interceptions and attempting take ons. In the second-half, he did what he does best. He was at the right place at the right time to make tackles.
Moses (8/10) – The best player for Chelsea last month, Moses had his bursting runs down the right flank causing problems to Kolarov. But, he was largely contained in those attacks. Made an incredible interception in the early second half.
Hazard (8/10) – He tried what he does best-witty tricks and turns but the angle to shoot the goal was often timely closed by City defenders. Stones read his movements quite early on many occasions. But it was his goal that killed off the game and Conte’s celebration clearly showed how important that was.
Costa (9/10) – He was literally invisible in the first half except a few one-twos with Hazard that amounted to nothing. But, he got is a first real chance of the game when Fabregas played a delightful ball to him. And he finished it. He is the most clinical striker in the league at the moment. The second goal showed his presence of mind. His quick turn sent Otamendi south before placing it for Willian.
Pedro (6/10) – He looked like a threat in the City half when he was on. He was too quick to stop for City defenders and was often seen laying off the ball for Hazard to shoot. Subbed off in the second half owing to injury.
Willian (S) (8/10) – What a brilliant sub he was! It was more of a forced one as Pedro limped off and that has made the difference for the game.
