Chelsea hosted Manchester City after coming on the back of a shock defeat against Wolverhampton Wanderers but turned on the heat at Stamford Bridge as they faced the league leaders and table toppers and secured a crucial 2-0 win.
The Blues were unable to deal with City’s press, and they often came close to giving the ball away in dangerous areas in the first half. However, they hung on as Raheem Sterling and Leroy Sane couldn’t provide finishing touches to some good moves. Chelsea scored with their first shot on target late in the opening 45 as they beat City’s press with an excellent long ball and manoeuvred it to Ngolo Kante who finished with aplomb to give an unlikely lead to the home team at halftime.
The home team looked more assured in possession and played with confidence in the second half. Chelsea had a sense of doggedness in their play as they defended bravely and looked threatening every time they were able to beat City’s initial press. David Luiz scored through a corner to add comfort and put the tie to bed to ensure three points for Sarri.
Here is how the Blues fared against the Champions of England.
Kepa Arrizabalaga 7
Played one sloppy pass in the end but bailed his side out by saving the effort. Made some routine saves and his handling was good.
Cesar Azpilicueta 8
Leroy Sane got the better of him on some occasions early on in the game but after that, nothing went past the captain and he made some crucial blocks and interceptions. Led the backline magnificently.
Antonio Rudiger 8
Has been the standout defender for the Blues and once again proved to be that. Did his defensive duties well and spread the ball well.
David Luiz 9
Often comes in for a lot of criticism for his rash decision making while defending but today the Brazilian showed why Sarri prefers him over the other defenders at Stamford Bridge. His long diagonal for the first goal was brilliant and that is what brought confidence in the home side. Defended astutely and looked composed on the ball. Scored a smart header as well. A beast of a performance.
Marcos Alonso 6
Didn’t enjoy that much freedom while going forward. Tough game defensively as Sterling often got the better of him. Needs to be a bit tighter defensively.
Ngolo Kante 6.5
Scored the all important first goal with a great first-time finish. Was everywhere on the pitch and often carried the ball out for counter attacks. However, was quite sloppy in possession and gave the ball away cheaply.
Jorginho 6.5
Has improved on his defensive side of the game and worked well off the ball. On the ball, he was his usual self and got involved more in the second half.
Mateo Kovacic 8
Like all other players, had to work defensively hard and he was neat and tidy in possession.
Pedro 7
Didn’t make much of an attacking contribution and often had to track back to help his fullback. However, his involvement in the first goal was vital as he brilliantly brought down Luiz’s long ball and kept the swift attack moving.
Willian 6
His pace caused a bit of trouble to the City defence in the second half. Spent most of the first half defending. He could have come up with much better quality on the ball to set off some counter attacks.
Eden Hazard 6.5
Isolated for the most parts of the game but held up play well whenever he had the ball at his feet. Made two simple assists.
Substitutes
Ross Barkley 6
Came on for the injured Kovacic and played his part in defence. Looked sharp in possession.
Ruben Loftus Cheek N/A
Didn’t play enough to warrant a rating.
Olivier Giroud N/A
Didn’t play enough to warrant a rating.
