The Premier League champions Manchester City were given a proper scare at the Etihad Stadium by Frank Lampard’s young Chelsea side but managed to squeeze their way past by a 2-1 scoreline. Although the Blues broke the deadlock through French star N’Golo Kante, first-half goals from Kevin De Bruyne and Riyadh Mahrez were enough to earn Pep Guardiola’s side all three points on the night.
Here are the Chelsea player ratings from their narrow loss against the defending champions Manchester City.
Kepa Arizzabalaga – 4
The Spanish number one had one of his most forgettable nights in a Chelsea shirt against City tonight. His distribution was flawed, and he looked very careless with the ball at his feet.
Cesar Azpilicueta – 6
The Spaniard put in a decent defensive performance but was unable to create much going forward. Despite being switched out to left-back in the second half, kept his game up.
Kurt Zouma – 6
Didn’t have quite the effect in the box he would’ve hoped, but certainly wasn’t the worst player on the pitch tonight. The City opener, unfortunately, deflected into the net off his toe.
Fikayo Tomori – 5.5
One of his less secure displays in a Chelsea shirt, the youngster played some extremely questionable passes in the defensive-third and even gave the ball away cheaply.
Emerson – 6
In what probably would’ve been a better game for Marcos Alonso to be involved in, the Italian international made positive strides in the first-half, until being taken off in the second.
N’Golo Kante – 7
The Frenchman has only just returned to full fitness, but that’s something that is not apparent in his play. Worked hard tracking back and stepped up and got the Blues’ opener as well.
Jorginho – 5.5
The Italian, unlike every other game this season, struggled to keep control of the ball in the middle of the park and played a couple of extremely uncharacteristic passes as well.
Mateo Kovacic – 8
Unquestionably the Blues’ best player on the night, the Croatian was responsible for everything positive that Frank Lampard’s men pulled off today and even setup Kante’s goal.
Willian – 5
The Brazilian’s night seemed to be an absolute struggle right from kick-off, as he was unable to create anything going forward. Played multiple bad passes and lost the ball needlessly on occasions.
Tammy Abraham – 6.5
Held the play up exceptionally well in the first half, and managed to keep the City defenders busy for periods as well. Didn’t have the impact he would’ve been hoping for in the second.
Christian Pulisic – 6
The American didn’t have his usual influence on the fixture, mostly because of the constant surrounding by swarms of City players. He even played the full ninety minutes on the night.
Substitutes
Reece James – 6
The youngster was brought on in place of Emerson in the second half and managed to pick out a couple of nice crosses into the box. A Chelsea legend in the making.
Michy Batshuayi – 5
Didn’t have the impact he might’ve been hoping for, as he struggled to make the ball stick after coming on.
Mason Mount – 6
Saw a late free-kick go narrowly wide, but the youngster didn’t offer too much after coming on either.
