As It Happened:
In the 18th minute, Doku’s pass was flicked by Silva into Haaland’s feet. He held off Cucurella and dinked the ball over an oncoming Sanchez and into the back of the net to give the visitors the lead. In the 22nd minute, Savinho rolled his pass into the path of De Bruyne. He fired a right-footed curler that went just wide of the right post. In the 37th minute, Doku’s effort from the edge of the box took a massive deflection and was brilliantly saved by Sanchez. In the 39th minute, Silva showed great feet to create space between him and Fofana. His shot was saved by Sanchez at his near post. Jackson found the back of the net in the 44th minute, but the goal was ruled out for offside. In the 52nd minute, Silva laid the ball off for Haaland. His first-time effort on his left foot was easily saved by Sanchez. In the 61st minute, Lavia headed the ball back into a crowded area. Jackson flicked the ball straight at Ederson in goal. In the 73rd minute, a clever early ball by Silva went to De Bruyne. His effort from the edge of the box went wide of the right-hand upright. In the 84th minute, Fofana’s poor clearance went straight to Kovacic. He breezed past Caicedo and made his way to the edge of the penalty area. He fired his shot in off the left post to double City’s lead.In the fifth minute of second half stoppage time, Fernadez’s effort from range was straight at Ederson.
It was a mixture of wasted chances and dubious calls from Anthony Taylor on the day. The Blues had City on the ropes on more than one occasion. The main difference between the two sides is that City were clinical in front of goal. At the full time whistle, one question crossed the mind of the majority of Chelsea fans: Why have we not signed a recognized striker? This team can simply not rely on Cole Palmer’s individual brilliance again this season. The board has till the end of a month to find a striker that will give you at least twenty goals a season.
Player Performances:
- Robert Sanchez had a couple of shaky moments on the ball. His distribution was far from his best. He has to do better for Kovacic’s goal.
- Malo Gusto had a tough time against Doku. He made a limited impact at the attacking end of the pitch.
- Wesley Fofana looked like he had a point to prove. At times looked shaky defensively. His poor clearance resulted in City doubling their lead.
- Levi Colwill’s passing was on point. He was easily brushed aside by Haaland for the opening goal.
- Marc Cucurella did extremely well against so and it resulted in the winger switching to the left flank. He had a tougher time against Savinho.
- Romeo Lavia was everywhere on the pitch. He had more ball recoveries and interceptions than any other Chelsea player. He was the standout player for the Blues.
- Moises Caicedo was full of energy but he was far from his best.
- Enzo Fernandez gave the ball away far too many times. He became a frustrated figure when two penalty calls weren’t aware in his favor. Far from his best performance in a Chelsea kit.
- Cole Palmer was quiet for the majority of the match. Chelsea tried to get him involved to no avail.
- Christopher Nkunku looked most likely to create something while he was on the pitch. I feel he is wasted out wide. He needs to play in a more central role.
- Nicolas Jackson made a couple of good runs and held the ball up well. He lacked end product in front of goal once again. Had a goal ruled out for offside.
- Pedro Neto nearly scored with his first touch for the club, but he was thwarted by Lewis. He looked extremely bright on the ball. He looks like exactly what the club needs on the left flank.
- Marc Guiu pressed well from the front but failed to make an impact at the attacking end of the pitch.
- Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall did the basics well after coming on.
- Renato Veiga came on in the last ten minutes.
