The Premier League champions-elect Manchester City played hosts to the reigning Premier League champions Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday. The Blues boss Antonio Conte opted for a 3-4-2-1 formation and was without the services of N’Golo Kante for this clash. The home side began the match on the front foot and created a number of goal-scoring opportunities in the first half. However, they were left frustrated by some dogged Chelsea defending and went into the half-time break without registering a goal.
City made a dream start to the second half when they finally broke the deadlock courtesy of a goal from Bernardo Silva, just 30 seconds after the re-start. The Londoners failed to register a shot on target during this match as it finished 1-0 in the home team’s favour.
Let’s take a look at how each Chelsea player fared during the contest.
GK: Thibaut Courtois – 6/10
The Belgian lost his footing during Bernardo Silva’s opening goal for City. He had a relatively uneventful match.
CB: César Azpilicueta – 7/10
The Spanish defender made a couple of crucial interventions and made a goal-line clearance in the first-half.
CB: Andreas Christensen – 6/10
He looks composed at the heart of the Chelsea defence but struggled to cope with the swift movement of the City attackers.
CB: Antonio Rüdiger – 6/10
He was cautioned after giving away a number of cynical fouls. However, he put in a strong display and did well to keep Sergio Aguero quiet.
RM: Victor Moses – 6/10
He got a wonderful opportunity to score a goal for Chelsea but blasted his shot high and wide. He tried his best to provide an outlet down the right flank.
CM: Cesc Fàbregas – 6/10
The Spaniard gave away the ball which could have cost Chelsea during the first quarter of the game. He was unable to get on the ball often to have an impact on the game going forward.
CM: Danny Drinkwater – 5/10
Not the best game from the ex-Leicester City midfielder, he hardly had any real impact in Chelsea’s midfield.
LM: Marcos Alonso – 5/10
The Spaniard was at fault for the City opener when he was caught sleeping at the far-post just 30 seconds into the second half. He led Bernardo Silva in to provide the finishing touch which ultimately cost his team the game.
RAM: Willian – 6/10
The Brazilian tried his best to conjure up something magical but was neutralised by the City pressing.
LAM: Pedro – 5/10
The game flew by him without the Spaniard having a meaningful impact in the opposition half.
ST: Eden Hazard -5/10
The talented Belgian was deployed as a striker but he found it difficult to get on the ball with the home side dominating possession throughout the match.
Substitutes:
ST: Olivier Giroud – 6/10
He huffed and puffed after coming off the bench but hardly had any time to make an impact in the final third.
LB: Emerson Palmieri – N/A
He came off the bench for the final 10 minutes of the game.
ST: Alvaro Morata – N/A
The Spanish forward had too little time to have an effect in the contest.
