Things have been out of favour for Chelsea in recent weeks and a defeat against Manchester United knocked them out of ‘top four’ ahead of Sunday evening encounter against United’s ‘noisy neighbours’ Manchester City who are clear frontrunners to lift the Premier League title. The Blues have surrendered their title defence but were in desperate need to turn things around against the mighty Citizens at Etihad.
Despite keeping it close, the London giants failed to grab anything from the game and ended up losing 1-0 versus Pep Guardiola’s unstoppable force.
Below are the Manchester City players rated in their edgy win over Chelsea.
Ederson: 7
The Brazilian did not face any shot on target whatsoever but was sharp with his outings and distribution. An easy clean-sheet to his name against a superlative Premier League force.
Kyle Walker: 6.5
Lacked accuracy from his crosses initially and made a costly mistake in the second half that allowed Pedro to break forward. The Spaniard, however, failed to capitalize and wasted an opportunity to stage a comeback. Played plenty of passes and kept on linking up in the attack down the right-hand flank.
Nicolas Otamendi: 7.5
The Argentine impressed once again with his tackles, blocks, clearances and passing traits. Was combative, won a few duels and did not allow Eden Hazard to create enough menace inside the box.
Aymeric Laporte: 7
The winter signing from Atheltic Bilbao maintained his composure with a great sense of positioning along with strong passing traits. Was not troubled much and earned a comfortable clean-sheet for his side.
Oleksandr Zinchenko: 8
The youngster impressed once again in a makeshift left-back role as he played around 150 successful passes. He was apt with his tackle, interception, clearances along with crosses and long balls that allowed the hosts to stride forward and create chances upfront. Earned applauds in closing minutes while being replaced by Danilo.
Ilkay Gundogan: 7.5
Suited well in a deeper midfield role in the absence of Fernandinho. He not only screened the backline but also orchestrated moves with his strong passing attributes from a central midfield role.
Kevin De Bruyne: 8
Another all-round display from the Belgian superstar who created numerous opportunities in the attacking third, kept on changing his position and dribbled past the opposition midfield with ease.
David Silva: 8.5
The midfield maestro made full use of a defensive howler from the visitors and set it up for Bernardo Silva to earn the solitary goal of the game. Was dispossessed a few times and lost a few duels, but his work rate and footwork made a massive impact in City’s attack and allowed them to dominate the game throughout. Was replaced by Phil Foden in closing seconds.
Bernardo Silva: 9
The Portuguese attacker capitalized on Chelsea’s defensive howler and scored the solitary goal of the game. Linked up magnificently with the fellow attackers, dribbled past the defence on a few occasions and also created enough space with his swift movements.
Sergio Aguero: 7
Did not have enough opportunities to trouble the opponents but kept on troubling the ‘back three’ of the Blues with his movements and timely runs inside the box. Was replaced by Gabriel Jesus late in the game.
Leroy Sane: 8
Almost grabbed an opener in the first half but his effort was denied off the line by Cesar Azpilicueta. Kept on troubling the Chelsea backline with his mazy runs, strong dribbling skills and link up play.
Substitutes
Gabriel Jesus: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
Danilo: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
Phil Foden: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
