Chelsea, the European champions, hosted Premier League winners Manchester City at Stamford Bridge this afternoon. They have been the team to beat so far across competitions, but City boss Pep Guardiola finally avenged the defeats of last season including the Champions League final disappointment. The Blues failed to register a shot on target and ended up losing 1-0 with Gabriel Jesus’ second-half strike proving to be the difference.
Below are the Chelsea players rated in their defeat against Manchester City.
Edouard Mendy: 6.5
Was busier among the two custodians as he had to make a couple of saves compared to Ederson’s null. Could have done little to stop Jesus’ low strike as he got wrong-footed due to a slight deflection.
Cesar Azpilicueta: 7.5
Started as a right-sided centre-half but was shifted to wingback after half an hour following Reece James’ forced exit through injury. Did well in terms of balancing his game between attack and defence, whipped in crosses time and again.
Andreas Christensen: 7
Was solid in the heart of the defensive third. Was quick to make recoveries and showed great strength to win duels inside the box. Tried to maintain composure with the ball at his feet under pressure.
Antonio Rudiger: 7
Lost a few duels but his physicality and tactical fouls helped the Blues stay in the game despite frequent attacking threats from the Skyblues. Made some key interceptions against swift one-two movements.
Reece James: 6
Was forced to leave the pitch early on before settling down as the right wingback. Veteran Thiago Silva replaced the young Englishman.
N’Golo Kante: 5.5
Unlike the previous meeting, the fantastic Frenchman could not drive the show this time around. Was closed down quickly, got dispossessed twice and struggled to regain possession in the centre of the pitch. Was taken off to be replaced by Kai Havertz on the hour mark.
Jorginho: 5.5
Similar to Kante, the Italian was under pressure whenever he had the ball at his feet. Could not offer creativity from the middle of the park and was subbed off for Ruben Loftus-Cheek during the final quarter.
Mateo Kovacic: 7.5
The only midfielder who looked purposeful with dribbling attempts, work rate and powerful presence. Had an effort blocked by the visitors.
Marcos Alonso: 6
Spent most of his time above the halfway line. Whipped in crosses from the left, but his presence did not harm the City defence due to lack of productivity in the Chelsea attack.
Timo Werner: 5
Could not make the most of a rare opportunity with clueless runs, failed dribbles and little work ethic. Kept on losing duels and hardly had any notable contribution while leading the line.
Romelu Lukaku: 6
Was not allowed to cause any menace by the likes of Ruben Dias and Aymeric Laporte. Had the fewest of touches of any outfield player to play 90 minutes this afternoon.
Chelsea Substitutes Vs Manchester City
Thiago Silva: 6.5
Did well defensively against the relentless attacking threats from Manchester City.
Kai Havertz: 5.5
Need to grow his physical game to survive in Premier League and showcase his flashy skills.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek: 6
A surprise call from Thomas Tuchel as the Englishman rarely had minutes prior to this contest.
