Kevin De Bruyne scored the winner for Manchester City on his return to Stamford Bridge. Here’s how we rated each Blues player in their 1-0 defeat.
Almost embarrassed when the ball bounced wide after Gabriel Jesus closed down his attempted clearance in the first half, but the keeper’s overall display was excellent. He produced a number of saves, including a superb stop to keep out Fernandinho’s header from De Bruyne’s corner shortly before half-time.
Was caused some problems on the right-hand side but stuck to the task in a fully committed performance. Headed off the line late on to prevent a second City goal.
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Had a very tough task with City’s electrifying attack sweeping towards him but he showed his ability, both in terms of his defending and when bringing the ball out of defence.
Has his critics – and this display is unlikely to silence them. Was well short of his best as he struggled to get to grips with City’s attacking threat. The suspended David Luiz was sorely missed.
Did a solid job on the right-hand side and saw a first-half shot saved by keeper Ederson. Chelsea could probably have done with a better attacking option – and with Azpilicueta in the back three.
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Battled hard but was well short of his best. The opposition easily got the better of things in midfield, which very rarely happens on Kante’s watch.
Like Kante, Bakayoko competed fiercely and showed his quality, but the ease with which City were repeatedly able to move the ball through midfield told its own story.
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Made little impact as City’s key players controlled the game. Fabregas was easily kept quiet.
So often a fine attacking outlet on the left, Alonso spent much of the game having to defend as City successfully pinned him in his own half.
Made a welcome return to the starting line-up and worked hard up front while leading the line after Alvaro Morata went off injured.
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Went close with a first-half header before going off injured 10 minutes before half-time. Chelsea most hope the problem is not too serious given the Spaniard’s form this season and how much he was missed.
Full of running after coming on but was unable to make an impression going forward and didn’t manage to prevent City playing out from the back either. Michy Batshuayi and Pedro, who came on for the final 18 minutes, were also unable to make an impact.
This post was last modified on 01/10/2017
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1st things 1st RUDIGER IS A MONSTER! Barely placed a foot wrong, in one on one tackles, was super strong! =9! Conte's selection and setup of the squad cost us the match, PERIOD! Why start players that needn't have started, then insist on playing players outta position like we don't have solid options! That just looked totally juvenile and truth be told, it cost us a crucial W! We really missed the Lion LUIZ to rally and force us forward, Cty were camping in our half like we were the away team! Fabregas was pure garbage offered no protection or even a simple outlet to beat city's constant press in our final third! We lacked options, creativity, pace and power to counter city by leaving Moses out! Another "wah, wah“ moment! All these goofs were gobbled by the opponent! You can't moan about we went to Madrid...Use squad depth for crying out loud!! Kenedy, Musonda Jr, Moses, Pedro, Batshuayi, Zapacostta, ppl like Fabregas, Calamity Cahill, Morata,Azpillicueta should've logically been rested! We've been beat by Burnley & City, dropped points to Arsenal =8pts lost @ the Bridge from a total of 9.... Pathetic!! Dude should embrace squad rotation, and quick!!! Tot jus leapfroged us we're already 6pts behind the Manchester clubs, who look like we'll oiled machines and it's early days! Cause for concern? "HELL YEAH!" Dude better up and smell the coffee, rotate the darn squad we got multiple fronts to challenge from!!!
the selection was faulty from the start. Iexpect the coach to play Azpli in his right position and play Rudiger for Cahil. Conte saw it coming with Fabrigas in UCL.Moses could hv done better. pedro good, willian not productive with his runs.The game was lost from midfield.