Man City v Chelsea player ratings
Chelsea wasted a great start and a one-goal lead as they lost against reigning champions Manchester City. Here’s how we rated each Blues player in the 2-1 away defeat.
Kepa Arrizabalaga: 5
He was extremely lucky to get away with a disastrous pass that led to Sergio Aguero striking an effort against the bar. Kepa needs to do better in big moments in big games.
Cesar Azpilicueta: 7
Reliable and tenacious, there could be few complaints about the Chelsea skipper’s defensive performance.
Fikayo Tomori: 7
The big defender made some vital interceptions against a relentless City attack, using his pace to great effect on several occasions. But, if being harsh, he should have scored with a well-struck shot that he blasted a fraction wide.
Kurt Zouma: 7
Like his centre-back partner, Zouma looked strong and pacy and stood firm in the face of City’s world-class forward line.
Emerson: 5
Guilty of a couple of poor decisions in the final third, although he did support the attack well. He struggled more than most against City’s considerable attacking threat.
Jorginho: 6
Mightily impressive in the first half-hour as Chelsea outplayed the hosts at their own game, he was instrumental in organising those around him, but as the Blues got increasingly sloppy he went off the boil and was replaced in the second half. Gave the ball away in the build up to City’s equaliser.
Mateo Kovacic: 7
He had a few careless moments with ball at feet but mainly down to the extra level of pressure he was under. Kovacic still demanded the ball throughout and was the key man as Chelsea regained some control in the closing stages. Great assist for the opening goal.
N’Golo Kante: 7
He took his goal wonderfully well and was a consistent presence at both ends.
Christian Pulisic: 6
Pulisic was kept quiet for much of the match, but showed flashes of his dribbling ability and took up some smart positions that were normally not spotted.
Willian: 7
Lively and direct when Chelsea were on top early on but he missed a great chance to open the scoring, shooting narrowly wide with the first clear opening of the game. He remained dangerous but saw much less of the ball until the final quarter when Chelsea began to enjoy decent possession.
Tammy Abraham: 8
Abraham, fresh from his first senior England goal, played with an edge and spirit but was often crowded out by the home side’s defensive energy. His touch remained good under pressure and he was real handful throughout.
Michy Batshyuayi: 5
The Belgian did very little in his 20 minutes on the pitch.
Mason Mount: 6
Went close with a fierce free-kick and injected some much-needed tempo.
Reece James: 6
He once again looked the part after coming on late on, demonstrating why he is bound to be a fixture in the Chelsea side for years to come with some good touches, intelligent running and good support play.
