Premier League
Chelsea Stun The Champs
Manchester City marched into Stamford Bridge riding an unbeaten streak in the Premier League. The defending champs saw Liverpool take their top spot earlier today and were looking to retake control.
Manchester City’s last loss in all competitions came all the way back in mid-September to Lyon in Champions League play. After a hot start, Chelsea’s form has been riddled with inconsistency.
A disappointing loss mid-week to Wolverhampton saw the blues on the outside looking in. Sarri’s decision to play a false nine today may have just been what the doctor ordered.
Resilient Chelsea
Manchester City’s conviction was evident right from the get go. City’s dominating pressure throughout the entire half neutralized the talents of Pedro, Willian, and Hazard. In the 31st minute, Sané gets in behind the defense and gets Kepa on the ground in no man’s land, but is saved by Rüdiger’s goal line clearance.
Chelsea’s best chance on goal comes in the 41st minute when Jorginho finds Hazard and plays him into the box. Hazards first touch off his chest gets away from him and the chance goes to no avail. It would be the 44th minute when Eden Hazard would create the breakthrough.
Marcos Alonso would grab a deflection at the top of the box and find Hazard on the flank where Hazard plays a tantalizing ball into the box that goes unwanted. Kanté streaking into the box has other ideas and pummels the ball into the back of the net to give the blues the lead right before half.
Battle Tested
Chelsea went into the half dominated in possession, but up on the scoreboard. Manchester City haven’t won consecutive top-flight visits to Chelsea since 1955.
That streak would be tested with the champs staring at an uphill battle in the second half. In the 48th minute, Chelsea are awarded a free kick at the top of the box. Willian strikes it only to see Ederson make a diving save. It would be the 78th minute Chelsea would be able to put a nail in the coffin.
Chelsea are awarded a controversial corner kick after Barkley’s shot is deflected out. David Luiz capitalizes on a floated ball into the box and flicks it onto the back post and into the goal. The host would see the result out and walk away with the full three points.
Back To Business
Chelsea’s resilience was tested today. After a disappointing loss to Wolverhampton, the blues responded with an inspiring performance against the defending league champs.
N’Golo Kanté’s goal today was much needed after the constant questioning of his place in the team’s lineup. Manchester City were held goal less for the first time since their bout with Liverpool in early October.
Additionally, with a win from Tottenham today, the blues return to fourth in the leagues table. Chelsea will be turning their focus to Vidi FC for their Europa League match where they’ve already won their group. This will give Sarri a chance to rest his players until next weeks match with Brighton.
Photo credit to Pedro via Twitter
