Cole Palmer struggles against his old team (Image: Getty)
Chelsea suffered a major setback as Manchester City closed the gap on Premier League leaders Arsenal and aimed to qualify for the Champions League thanks to an emphatic 3-0 victory at Stamford Bridge. The humiliating defeat leaves Liam Rosenior’s side four points behind fifth-placed Liverpool, with just six games left in the league.
It was a close game in the first half, but City overwhelmed Chelsea in the second half. Nico O’Reilly nodded home from close range, and six minutes later Mark Guehi brilliantly slotted the ball into the bottom corner. The third goal came when Jeremy Doku stole the ball from Moises Caicedo and drove the ball into the bottom corner. Express Sport rates and predicts the Blues…
Chelsea vs Man City player ratings
Robert Sanchez – 6
He produced a superb performance in the early stages, denying Bernardo Silva’s close-range attempt. They were powerless to prevent the first goal, but perhaps Guehi could have performed a little better in attack.
He faced a testing challenge with the elusive and quick Jeremy Dok. Overall they handled the game pretty well against Doc, but Gusto was initially the player chasing Guehi’s goal.
He takes part in a physical duel with Erling Haaland, which is always a difficult task. Although he didn’t win every contest, he put in a great performance that put pressure on the threatening Norwegian. He scored an important header in the final stages.
I was impressed throughout. He looked calm when in possession of the ball and was frequently called upon to advance higher up the field. He showed excellent defense as a center back. When the lineup was announced, some may have questioned his selection there, but the Dutchman delivered admirably.
Great finish early on, but slightly offside. He posed a threat offensively, but seemed more cautious than usual.
Moises Caicedo was unlucky against Man City (Image: Getty)
He was our captain in the afternoon and he started the game in a really careless way. City’s attacking press exposed the Ecuadorian on several occasions and his deployment was wayward. That was evident in the closing stages when Doc snatched a slumping Caicedo to score in City’s third.
The Brazilian was very deep and positioned further back than usual. On many occasions he basically acted as a centre-back alongside Fofana, with Hato coming forward to press. Santos distributed the ball very calmly and dealt effectively with City’s high press. However, Santos was responsible for marking O’Reilly’s goal.
I received an unnecessary early reservation because I got frustrated and kicked the ball away. The Brazilian found it difficult on the right side. He failed to make a meaningful impression in games, and at times gave up the ball carelessly. Should have done more to stop Cherki’s cross aimed at O’Reilly’s goal.
He created Chelsea’s first lead of the game, but his shot from an angle went into the side netting. I felt calm.
It started brilliantly. Playing on the left, Neto has caused City more problems than any of Chelsea’s other forwards. The influence weakens after the break.
I found it difficult to get into the game. He played it well to Cucurella and got a goal that was canceled out, but it was a shame that the flag went up at the far post. I felt calm.
substitute
Romeo Lavia (68 minutes against Santos) -6
He effectively distributed the ball as soon as he threw it in.
Alejandro Garnacho (68 minutes for Estevao) – 5
After participating, he did not make his presence felt.
Liam Delap (81 minutes as substitute for Joao Pedro) – N/A
There isn’t enough time to leave an impression.
Dario Essugo (81st minute appearance for Caicedo) – N/A
Josh Achiampong (played in Gusto 88′) – N/A
