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Chelsea fell to eighth place in the Premier League table after they were stunned by an irresistible display from Manchester City in the first half in a 3-1 loss at Stamford Bridge.
Three goals in 16 brilliant minutes from Ilkay Gundogan, Phil Foden and Kevin De Bruyne put the game well beyond the Blues, who were unable to exert a significant right of reply in the second half. Callum Hudson-Odoi’s end in injury time turned out to be a poor reconciliation.
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Positive
We’re scratching our heads over the positives to this one, but the first 10 minutes were full of purpose and energy, although hopes for a victory were soon dashed by the ruthless Chelsea visitors.
Negative
Chelsea’s defense was nothing short of shocking, with Frank Lampard’s entire back four steps away from City’s action and fluid soccer. Meanwhile, the midfielder duo of N’Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic did not offer anywhere near enough protection to the troubled defense.
Manager rating out of 10
5 – At first glance, Lampard certainly picked the right staff to perhaps contain City, but he must bear a large part of the blame for how his team dealt with the visitors when out of possession.
Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best. Players submitted after 70 minutes are not rated)
GK Edouard Mendy, 5 years old – Questions can be asked of the goalkeeper when Foden’s shot hit him on his first post. He made a brilliant point-blank save to deny Rodri a quarter for City early in the second half.
DF Cesar Azpilicueta, 4 – Caught out of position on more than one occasion, as Foden quickly passed the Spaniard on his way to a half chance for the visitors. A tough day for the veteran, as it was for the four Chelsea defenders.
DF Kurt Zouma, 5 years old – The Frenchman’s physical approach allowed him to prevail against makeshift center forward Kevin De Bruyne in the early stages, but City’s front-row movement proved too much for him and his defensive teammates.
DF Thiago Silva, 4 – The lack of communication with Kante gave De Bruyne a great opportunity before the former PSG captain was easily beaten by Gundogan before the City midfielder’s first game.
DF Ben Chilwell, 6 years old Given a difficult time by the fast Raheem Sterling and the combination of the three visiting forwards gave the left back a lot to think about. Looking ahead, the left-back was possibly the most threatening player on his team.
MF Mateo Kovacic, 4 – Lucky to escape punishment after unnecessarily giving away possession to the city in dangerous territory early on. Like many of his colleagues, the Croatian was not good enough off the ball to protect his back four. He received a yellow card in the final 20 minutes for cynically attacking the excellent De Bruyne, before being replaced by Kai Havertz six minutes later.
MF N’Golo Kante, 4 – The midfielder was unable to follow De Bruyne’s career as the Belgian broke through in search of a great early opportunity for the visitors. He later had a bad pass swallowed by the City defense, with the resulting counterattack being clinically finished off by De Bruyne 3-0. He booked in the second half and will miss the team’s trip to Fulham due to suspension.
MF Mason Mount, 6 – He had a brilliant opening period, but was soon drowned out by dozens of City jerseys in the defensive thirds and midfield.
MF Hakim Ziyech, 5 – He couldn’t make the most of an indirect free kick when his shot was charged by the City defense and there were a couple more sloppy moments with the ball at his feet. Replaced by Callum Hudson-Odoi in the 64th minute.
MF Christian Pulisic, 6 – He tied the ball midway through the first half after playing a one-two single with Werner when he really should have hit the ball the first time. Admonished for catching Joao Cancelo at the end of the first half.
DEL Timo Werner, 5 – RB Leipzig’s summer signing finally got his chance in his preferred center position, but was feeding on leftovers as City went through a difficult 10-minute opening to control the ball and dominate the game. It is not the type of game for a player who lacks faith.
Substitutes
MF Billy Gilmour, 5 years old – He gave the ball immediately after entering and was unable to reactivate Chelsea’s static midfield.
FW Callum Hudson-Odoi, 6 – Eager to impress in his brief cameo and did well to climb to the end of a Mason Mount cross to give him some comfort by his side.
DEL Kai Havertz, N / A – One of many Chelsea players who lack confidence and ideas right now. Hopefully his belated cross to help Hudson-Odoi is a turning point.
