Chelsea’s hopes of a top-four finish took yet another blow this weekend, as the Blues were defeated 1-0 away to champions-elect Manchester City. After losing in the city last weekend to United, Antonio Conte’s side failed to bounce back from defeat after an awful performance to Pep Guardiola’s City side. Bernardo Silva scored the game’s only goal within a minute of the second half, and the Blues looked to be content with a narrow defeat as they failed to register a single shot on goal. Here’s how the Chelsea players rated after Sunday’s defeat to Manchester City:
Thibaut Courtois – 6
Couldn’t really do anything about the City goal, and didn’t have much else to do. Had to be alert as City bossed possession, but was relatively untested.
Cesar Azpilicueta – 6
Had a tough time keeping Leroy Sane quiet. Cleared the ball off the line brilliantly from Sane’s shot, and was Chelsea’s best defender by a mile.
Andreas Christensen – 4
A tough afternoon for the Dane. Sergio Aguero was a constant threat, and he really should’ve done better to clear before Silva’s goal.
Antonio Rudiger – 4
Another day to forget from the Chelsea defence. Usually strong and comfortable in possession, the German wasn’t at the races today.
Victor Moses – 4
Ruined a rare Chelsea chance in the first half by shooting at Ederson’s near post when he could’ve passed across goal. Was almost invisible for the remainder.
Cesc Fabregas – 4
Struggled to make an impact. Rarely had the ball, and couldn’t express himself in the way that he usually would.
Danny Drinkwater – 4
Missed his Leicester partner N’Golo Kante in the centre of midfield, meaning his role was made harder and he clearly struggled.
Marcos Alonso – 5
Fired a late volley just wide. But was otherwise absent and struggled against City’s right-hand side of Kyle Walker and Bernardo Silva.
Willian – 5
Rarely had the ball, but showed glimpses of energy when given the opportunity to run. Perhaps unfairly taken off first.
Eden Hazard – 5
Started as the false nine again, the Blues didn’t play to his strengths. For a man of Hazard’s height, it didn’t make sense for the Chelsea players to play high for the Belgian. Not his game.
Pedro – 4
Didn’t really make any meaningful contribution in a poor game for Chelsea’s frontmen. Misplaced a number of passes.
Substitutes
Olivier Giroud – 5
Given around 12 minutes to make an impact, when his presence as a target man was needed from the start.
Emerson Palmieri – 4
Played around 10 minutes as a part of Chelsea’s front three, and didn’t make a single touch during his time on the pitch.
Alvaro Morata – N/A
Not enough to be given a rating.
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