Manchester City ease passed the challenge of Chelsea after an easy 3-1 victory in the Premier League at Stamford Bridge.
First-half goals from Ilkay Gundogan, Phil Foden, and Kevin De Bruyne earned City crucial three points in an open title race. A late goal from Substitute Callum Hudson-Odoi wasn’t enough for Chelsea.
Timo Werner now without a goal in the last 12 consecutive games in a Chelsea shirt. Now Chelsea lost 4 out of their last 6 games and earned only 4 points.
This win means Manchester City move up to fifth with 29 points in 15 games and Chelsea go down to 8th with 26 points in 17 games.
Chelsea 1-3 Manchester City Team News:
Chelsea made five changes from their last home game against Aston Villa. Kurt Zouma and Thiago Silva started after they were rested on the Monday night fixture.
Hakim Ziyech returned to the starting Xl since the match against Leeds United on 6th December due to a hamstring injury. Timo Werner led the line for Chelsea.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola made three changes, a couple of them were forced due to the outbreak of coronavirus in the Manchester City squad.
25-year-old USA International goalkeeper Zack Steffen made his Premier League debut as Ederson had to self isolate himself.
Oleksandr Zinchenko started for the first time this season on the left-back. Phil Foden started the crucial game. Sergio Aguero was on the bench so Guardiola went without a recognised centre forward.
Chelsea 1-3 Manchester City Match Analysis:
Chelsea controlled the ball in the first 15 minutes but couldn’t do anything significant apart from a penalty shout and an indirect free-kick inside the box.
But quickfire two goals inside 20 minutes from Ilkay Gundogan and Foden back of scintillating moves and great finishing from City almost drawn the fate of the match.
At time Chelsea were chasing shadow in the middle of the park. Chelsea midfield couldn’t cope with the movements of City.
A mistake from experienced N’Golo Kante helped Manchester City to add the margin inside the first half. Raheem Sterling should’ve finished the chance but follow-up ball was calmly finished by Kevin De Bruyne.
In the second half, it became just game management for Manchester City. At time it was a passing drill for City. They only had one on target brilliantly saved by Edouard Mendy.
In the end, Chelsea managed a late consolation from Callum Hudson-Odoi after coming off the bench. A good assist from Kai Havartz.
Notable Performances:
Kevin De Bruyne(CAM) – (8.5/10)(Manchester City): Scored the third goal and provided the cross for the second goal as well. An excellent outing for him
Ilkay Gundogan(CM) – (8/10)(Manchester City): Finished the opener brilliantly and controlled the midfield excellently.
N’Golo Kante(CDM) – (4/10)(Chelsea): Had a very bad game made the mistake on the third goal and could not control the midfield at the end taken off at the hour mark.
Chelsea will play next away to Fulham in London derby on 16th January in Premier League and they have F.A Cup match on 10th January against Morecambe.
Manchester City will have to go to Old Trafford on Wednesday night to play against Manchester United in the Carabao Cup semi-final and the next Premier League match is at home to Brighton & Hove Albion on 13th January.
