Connect with us

Match Coverage

Player Ratings: Man City 1-0 Chelsea | Premier League

Published:

on

(Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP)

Chelsea suffered a 1-0 defeat against Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday at the Etihad Stadium.

On the day that Manchester City lifted the Premier League title, Frank Lampard’s side were unable to come away with a positive result.

The Blues were playing purely for pride in this contest, but they failed to find a way past the champions.

It took just 12 minutes for the home side to find the lead. An error from Wesley Fofana handed possession to Pep Guardiola’s side and Cole Palmer slipped in Julian Alvarez who fired a low-driven effort past Kepa Arrizabalaga.

Man City continued to dominate in the early stages, but they did allow Chelsea to get back into the game, Raheem Sterling was denied by Stefan Ortega and Conor Gallagher hit the post before the whistle for half-time sounded.

In the second half, Chelsea continued to create some decent openings, Lewis Hall was a threat down the left-hand side but there was nothing significant created by the visiting Blues.

It looked as though the hosts had secured all three points as the second half continued, a Riyad Mahrez ball left Alvarez with an open goal, but there had been a hand ball from the Algerian in the build-up.

Chelsea were unable to find a late equaliser, and suffered defeat against the champions.

Here is how Absolute Chelsea rated the players’ performance in Manchester.


Kepa Arrizabalaga – 5/10

Returned to the starting XI after a disappointing display from Edouard Mendy last week against Nottingham Forest. He surprisingly had little to do throughout the game. Well-beaten for City’s goal.

Trevoh Chalobah – 5.5/10

The English defender did not really do much wrong in this contest, but there was nothing special about his performance either. It was a solid effort from the 23-year-old.

Thiago Silva – 5.5/10

Looked unlike his usual self, there were errors in the Brazilian’s game against City. While Fofana will take a large chunk of the blame for the opening goal, Silva must also be questioned, he drifted away from Alvarez and gave the young forward plenty of space to take a touch and pick his spot before blasting the hosts into the lead. Regained composure as the game progressed.

Wesley Fofana – 5/10

The Frenchman has become a dependable option for the Blues following his return to the squad from injury, but he will be disappointed with his efforts against the champions. He sloppily gave away possession which allowed the hosts to slice through the Chelsea defence for the opening goal of the contest.

Cesar Azpilicueta – 5/10

Going up against the young Cole Palmer proved to be a challenging task for the Spaniard, in the opening moments he was left for dead by the 21-year-old and this was a common theme throughout the contest, resulting in a long afternoon for the skipper.

Lewis Hall – 7/10

Was rather impressive when he made his first appearance of the season in a Chelsea shirt against City in the EFL Cup back in November, and he was one of the best performers again in this game. Often found himself in plenty of space down the left-hand side, and became Arguably the only player who can walk from the loss with his head held high.

Enzo Fernandez – 6/10

When the Argentine joined the Blues in January, Chelsea were in a bad position, somehow things have got worse since then, but it is not his fault in the slightest. He is always cool and calm in possession, but is screaming out for someone of high quality to join him in the middle.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek – 6/10

When in possession, the midfielder played an extremely positive game, he drove the ball forward well and looked to create attacking chances for the Blues. It is a shame his involvements do not come consistently though, only able to show glimpses of what he is capable of. Could be one of his last appearances in a Chelsea shirt.

Conor Gallagher – 5.5/10 (69)

Came the closest to getting the away side a goal in the first 45, he connected well with a delivery from Hall but could only direct his header onto the woodwork. As ever the 23-year-old fought and scrapped away for everything.

Raheem Sterling – 5/10 (69)

Given the horrid nature of this Premier League season for Chelsea, Sterling may have found himself rather envious of his former teammates when he had to participate in a guard of honour before kick-off. Had quite a few chances before getting substituted, was just lacking the finishing touch.

Kai Havertz – 5.5/10

Hard to critique the forward who had zero service delivered to him, was left isolated up top and spent most of the game watching City dominate possession and toy with the visitors. Looked pretty sharp when he was involved.


Bench

Mykhailo Mudryk – 6/10 (69)

Would have hoped for more minutes, but only came on for the final 20. Had one chance that he blazed high over the bar late on in the game.

Noni Madueke – 6/10 (69)

Has been one of Chelsea’s star performers in recent weeks but failed to earn a start. Looked bright down the right-hand side when he came on.

Kalidou Koulibaly – N/A (81)

Carney Chukwuemeka – N/A (81)

Christian Pulisic – N/A (85)

Trending