Manchester City sent out a statement of intent to their Premier League rivals as they outclassed Premier League champions Chelsea in 1-0 win at Stamford Bridge.
Pep Guardiola’s men came into the game off the back of another successful week, in which they beat a struggling Crystal Palace side 5-0 last weekend and a resilient Shakhtar Donetsk side 2-0 in the Champions League on Tuesday. Opponents Chelsea managed to grab a famous victory on Wednesday when they outperformed Atletico Madrid away from home in a 2-1 victory in the Champions League.
Last season, Antonio Conte got the better of Guardiola in both league games as Chelsea cruised to the title. This game was in stark contrast to that of the previous campaign, as City dominated in every position on the pitch. The absence of Sergio Aguero, Vincent Kompany and Benjamin Mendy was touted before the game as City’s potential downfall, but the Citizens proved that they are still a match for any team that comes across them, no matter the injuries.
After 67 minutes, Kevin De Bruyne, a former player of Chelsea, scored a fantastic goal from great buildup play between him and Gabriel Jesus to send the away support into raptures. City’s dominance paid off and it could have been a bigger scoreline if Antonio Rudiger didn’t clear Gabriel Jesus’s exquisite volley from off the line later on.
Chelsea offered nothing to say that they were really in the game and looked inferior compared to their title rivals. The scoreline flattered them as if it wasn’t for the heroics of Thibaut Courtois, it could have been a lot worse.
Here are our player ratings from yesterday’s victory.
Ederson - 8
The Brazilian made great saves from Alvaro Morata and Eden Hazard and was great with his feet once again. He showed great skill under intense pressure in a big game, which couldn’t be said for his compatriot Claudio Bravo last season.
A fantastic signing!
Kyle Walker - 8
Was given the task of marking Hazard and despite being a bit too eager to push up on his man, he was solid throughout and was a real physical presence.
John Stones - 8
Despite Morata giving him a hard time from the start, and his capabilities at the back in question, Stones played a big part in a fantastic defensive display by the Citizens. Good play from the back as well.
Nicolas Otamendi - 8
There were fears from the beginning that Otamendi’s recklessness could cost City the game, but he proved everyone wrong with some great defending. Made a great diving header clearance from a Rudiger cross early on and was an absolute beast in the heart of the defence.
Fabian Delph - 8.5
Many people would have doubted Delph’s ability in a position that he’s new to, but he showed the right amount of aggression and was smart when it came to marking Chelsea’s attacking players. Going forward, he often moved into the midfield to contend with the likes of Kante and Bakayoko.
Great performance from the Englishman!
Fernandinho - 8
Ferna was a crucial part of the City machine as his composure and solidity in midfield made it impossible for Chelsea to get out of their own half. Pep’s faith in his abilities is paying off in dividends.
David Silva - 8
Silva was an absolute menace from the first minute, giving the Chelsea defence no rest. His darting runs and exquisite dribbling were his best attributes.
Kevin De Bruyne - 9
He started off at a slow tempo, but grew into the game and was the man to fire City to a victory after a great one-two with Gabriel Jesus to hit a rising driven shot into the top right corner.
My man of the match.
Raheem Sterling - 8
Referee Martin Atkinson was giving him nothing in terms of decisions, but that didn’t faze him as his pace constantly tested Marcos Alonso. Needs to work a bit more on his crossing, but other than that it was great performance.
Leroy Sane - 8
Had a tough battle up against one of his close friends Antonio Rudiger and while it wasn’t his best game, his pace and strength kept the home side pegged back for the majority of the game.
Gabriel Jesus - 9
The Brazilian’s tenacity and drive kept Chelsea’s centre-backs on their toes and always got stuck in to challenges when needs be. His high-pressing was admirable and when it counted, his lay-off pass to De Bruyne helped City seal the victory.
Substitutions
Bernardo Silva (for David Silva 75) – Showed real class when it counted – 7
Ilkay Gundogan (for Leroy Sane 84) – No time to mark