Manchester City bounced back with a victory against Chelsea after a telling defeat against Liverpool before the international break. The reigning Premier League champions staged a comeback and went on to win 2-1.
The away team started strongly as they looked confident and assured on the ball. Chelsea created some decent chances, and their persistence paid off as Kovacic picked out Kante with a clever pass. Guardiola’s men were able to stage a comeback soon as Kevin De Bruyne’s effort took a deflection which brought his side level just before the half-hour mark.
Mahrez then produced a moment of quality as he went on a mazy run and slotted the ball past Arrizabalaga confidently to make it 2-1. Aguero should have made it three for City before the break as the Chelsea goalkeeper made a blunder.
City looked much more assured in the second half and Chelsea never really managed to create any clear cut goal-scoring chance in the second half. City had some half chances themselves, but they saw off the game in the end to ensure three points.
Here is how Guardiola’s men fared.
Ederson 5.5
Could have probably stayed on his line in Chelsea’s goal. Had one awkward moment in possession where he struck Batshuayi from close quarters. Was decent overall with his feet.
John Stones 6.5
Was stretched in defence on a few occasions. Looked calm and composed on the ball and played out well from the back with his range of passes.
Fernandinho 7
Was caught out of position one or two times but did some crucial defensive work from time to time. Some of his passes from the back were exquisite.
Joao Cancelo 6
Pulisic troubled him on a few occasions but the summer arrival settled as the game went on and produced a composed display in defence.
Benjamin Mendy 5
Was sloppy in possession as he gave the ball away cheaply quite a few times. Defensively, he did alright but still looked nervy.
Rodri 6.5
Went off in the second half due to an injury. Did a decent job in the midfield of protecting the back four and moving the ball well.
David Silva 6.5
Played some clever passes and occupied some dangerous positions in between the lines. Had to go off with a cramp later on.
Kevin De Bruyne 7.5
Always tried to make something happen whenever he got on the ball. Scored from the edge of the box through a deflection. Not at his majestic best but orchestrated quite a few attacks.
Raheem Sterling 6
Had a quiet game on the attacking front as he didn’t see much of the ball. Got a goal in the end but was chalked off due to a marginal offside. Worked hard overall and helped his side defensively
Riyad Mahrez 7
Was having a sloppy game in the first half but produced a moment of real magic as he scored City’s second goal. Played some incisive passes in the second half and looked threatening in and around the edge of the box.
Sergio Aguero 5.5
Should have buried the chance which Kepa gifted him in the first half. Stretched up play well and looked a threat but lacked the killer instinct.
Substitutes
Ilkay Gundogan 6.5
Put in a good shift after coming on and shielded the back four well. Made some tactical fouls and saw out the game.
Phil Foden 6
Provided fresh legs on the pitch.
Gabriel Jesus N/A
Wasn’t involved much after coming on.
