Chelsea have laid down a huge marker for the season by defeating Manchester City in a smash and grab 3-1 victory. In a game high on quality and intensity which descended into chaos in the last few minutes, there were 4 Chelsea scorers with Cahill being the unfortunate own goal scorer. But in a brilliant counter-attacking display the Blues did look the better side although City had the better opportunities.
With the Sky Blues winless in their last 4 home matches and a team sans Fernandinho and Aguero for the foreseeable future, let us look at how they performed today.
BRAVO- 3/10
He couldn’t possibly have been bought just because he can pass. City have missed Joe Hart badly. Especially in one-on-one situations. Nowhere near a top club keeper today, the Chilean.
KOLAROV- 6/10
Looked better than the other defenders and defended well for large parts of the game. Was fluent in his passing but had a poor moment when he let Hazard slip by too easily in the build-up to the final goal.
STONES- 6.5/10
Had a good day if we keep the goals out of the statistics. Was cool and composed and largely dealt with the threat of Costa well in the 1st half. Taken off inexplicably.
OTAMENDI- 2/10
Horrible defending for the Argentine. Displays such as these make the fans yearn for Eliaquim Mangala. At fault for two goals, was sloppy and in no way does he look like a long-term City defender.
DE BRUYNE- 7.5/10
Was excellent in the build-up play. Oozes quality more often than not and linked play well. His comfort on the ball and the time he invariably has makes the runs of the others possible. But ruined his night with a shocker of a miss.
NAVAS- 6.5/10
Gave Alonso a torrid time in the first half and had his moments in the 2nd period. Was buzzing throughout the game and contributed defensively. His wicked cross got City’s only goal.
FERNANDINHO- 5/10
Did what is expected of him throughout the 90 minutes and undid it all by doing something no one expects of him. An attempted chokeslam on Fabregas.
GUNDOGAN- 5.5/10
Ticked the midfield over and was comfortable on the ball. Had a fine run into the box and needs to attempt more of those in the coming matches.
SANE- 5/10
Made a few darting runs and was used across the frontline. But his final impact was lacking which made him the first substitute.
SILVA- 6.5/10
Very good in the 1st half. Good and then average in the next.
AGUERO- 3/10
Got chance after chance and failed to score before resorting to scoring with Luiz late on. Albeit, in a horrendous manner.
SUBSTITUTES
CLICHY- 5/10
TOURE-5/10
IHEANACHO-4/10
