An injury-plagued Chelsea side fell to a 1-0 defeat against reigning Premier League Champions Manchester City at Stamford Bridge. Despite a promising first-half performance, a defensive lapse again cost the Blues as Mahrez struck from close range. Early injuries to both Raheem Sterling and Christian Pulisic means that 10 of Chelsea’s first-team squad are now suffering from injury.
Kepa Arrizabalaga- 5/10
What on earth was Kepa thinking when he decided to let Grealish’s cross slide across the box right in front of him, right to the arriving Riyad Mahrez. It was a shocking decision by the Spaniard, and one that ultimately cost his team. Very unfortunate as before that moment, Kepa had actually played quite well.
César Azpilicueta- 6/10
When the starting eleven for both sides was first released, Guardiola and Foden would have been licking their lips seeing Azpilucueta at right back. The Spaniard, however, held his own against the young City forward. Chelsea’s captain, however, should have done better to stop Grealish’s cross which found Mahrez to open the scoring.
Thiago Silva- 7/10
There’s nothing more to say about Thiago Silva that has not already been said. Defensively excellent, his passing is excellent, he is a beacon of light in defence that Chelsea desperately need. Unlucky not to get on the scoresheet as his close-range shot deflected narrowly wide.
Kalidou Koulibaly- 6.5/10
A much better performance from Koulibaly today, who complimented Silva well in defence. The Senegalese giant made some good interceptions and a very good challenge on a counter-attacking Kevin De Bruyne, sometimes though I feel he is still a bit awkward passing out of the back.
Marc Cucurella- 4/10
What opportunity Manchester City thought they might have had to attack Azpilicueta, they actually found against a defensively poor Marc Cucurella. Cancelo, and later Mahrez, dribbled past the Spaniard on multiple occasions. Cucurella was caught on his heels by Mahrez as Grealish’s cross found the Algerian ahead of Cucurella to score City’s winning goal.
Mateo Kovačić- 7/10
As a midfield pair, Zakaria and Kovačić were very solid. The Croatian showed some fantastic close-knit dribbling early in the game. He also showed his defensive strength, tracking back well and making three successful tackles.
Denis Zakaria- 8/10
Who knew Zakaria had the dribbling ability in him that he displayed today? A fantastic performance from the Swiss international in midfield, and was Chelsea’s best player on the night. Dynamic runs, good passing, and defensively solid, what more could you ask for?
Hakim Ziyech- 5/10
A rare start for Hakim Ziyech in the absence of the injured Mason Mount. The Moroccan, however, struggled to have an impact. Despite some dangerous crosses into the area, Ziyech was wasteful with the ball and did not offer enough on the pitch for Chelsea.
Christian Pulisic- N/A
Kai Havertz- 5/10
Despite a fantastic pass to Pulisic early on, Havertz had very little impact going forward for Chelsea once again. He looked lively in the opening half, but his performance dropped off massively in the second 45. Once again, the German showed his inconsistency going forward today.
Raheem Sterling- N/A
Subs :
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang- 3/10
Aubameyang was an early sub for Raheem Sterling who was forced off due to injury. The striker was almost invisible on the pitch. Auba looks slow and lazy, his most notable moment was passing the ball inside his own half to Erling Haaland who shot wide.
Carney Chukwuemeka- 7/10
Other than a terrible giveaway to De Bruyne deep in his own half, this was a solid display from Chukwuemeka, who was brought on early in the first half for Christian Pulisic. The young forward came closest for Chelsea when his deflected shot hit the post. Some impressive forward dribbling and passing were a small positive for Blues fans tonight, a player that will surely start on Sunday.
Omari Hutchinson- 5/10
Despite a disappointing performance tonight for Hutchinson, it was good to see the young talent on the pitch tonight. His confidence will grow in games to come, and Potter should trust him in future.
Connor Gallagher- 6/10
Giving the ball away with almost his first touch was not a great start for Gallagher. Credit where credit is due, however, his relentless pressing actually did actually seem to give the Blues a small boost in the late stages of the game.
Lewis Hall- 6/10
This rating was one good shot away from being an eight. So disappointing for Lewis Hall who was a big improvement on Cucurella when he came on. The young man charged forward in stoppage time, before blasting over the bar with a big chance to equalise. Earlier, a fantastic dribble and cross could have resulted in a goal.
Graham Potter- 6/10
Another defeat. That’s one win in eight Premier League games for Graham Potter now. Although the performance on the night was not a bad one against a very strong Manchester City side, it resulted in yet another negative result. With injuries piling up and the Blues slipping further down the table, it is difficult to see how Potter will turn this around for Chelsea in the short term.
Twitter- @Kieranroy1
