Saturday evening saw Chelsea succumb to a disappointing defeat at the hands of Manchester City at Stamford Bridge. Former blue, Kevin De Bruyne, got the only goal of the game in the second half to send City 6 points clear of Chelsea at the top of the Premier League table. But who were the players that shone in this lacklustre display – find out here with this week’s player ratings.
Thibaut Courtois – 6.5
Kept Chelsea in the game for the majority of the time as he made a couple of key saves. The highlight was a point-blank save from Fernandinho’s header in the first half as Courtois’ lighting fast reactions were on show for everyone to see. However, he was lucky to get away with a clearance that hit Gabriel Jesus right in front of his goal.
Antonio Rudiger – 6.5
An impressive defensive display from the German with some crucial tackles and blocks including one off the line to deny Jesus doubling City’s lead. But, he looked uncomfortable in possession for much of the game and the likes of Leroy Sane often got in behind him.
Andreas Christensen – 8
The Dane was very unlucky to be on the losing side as he made tackle after tackle in the centre of Chelsea’s back 3. Dealt with the threat of Jesus extremely well and provided an air of calm during times when the Blues were really under pressure at the back. His performance warranted praise from Pep Guardiola after half time and it’s not hard to see why.
Gary Cahill – 5
Struggled with the pace of the game at times and gave away the ball far too many times. Raheem Sterling and Kyle Walker caused him all sorts of problems in a tough evening for the captain who will surely be looking over his shoulder in regard to a starting place.
Cesar Azpilicueta – 6.5
Shifted out to wing-back in order to deal with the threat of Leroy Sane and certainly didn’t let anybody down in that respect. Was a threat going forward but rarely got the chance to move out of his half. When he did make it into the opposition area, he forced a save from Ederson with a near-post strike.
N’Golo Kante – 5.5
The City midfield proved all a bit much for Chelsea’s combative midfielder as he struggled to get near the likes of David Silva and Kevin De Bruyne. Lacked confidence in possession – offloading the ball too early at times and we didn’t see the usual marauding runs from the Frenchman.
Tiemoue Bakayoko – 5
His game was summed up in one brief yet decisive moment. He left De Bruyne with acres of space in midfield and could not get close enough as the Belgian stormed through and beat Courtois with a thunderous effort. Slow and clumsy at times and gave the ball away almost every time he got it.
Cesc Fabregas – 4
Anonymous. Barely had a kick in midfield as Fernandinho and David Silva dominated possession. Was involved in the play at times in the first half but disappeared for much of the second.
Marcos Alonso – 6
Made an excellent block to prevent David Silva putting City in front as he through himself towards his compatriot and smothered his effort. Was pinned back by Kyle Walker and couldn’t influence attacks as much as usual.
Eden Hazard – 6
Always in control of the ball when he had it, but that wasn’t very often as he was starved of any service for much of the match. Could’ve been a bit quicker at times – slowing the game down too often. Played up front after the departure of Alvaro Morata but spent most of the second half offside.
Alvaro Morata – 6
The only player to provide any attacking threat in the first half as he saw a headed effort loop just wide of the far post. Had to be substituted with a hamstring problem and Chelsea fans will be hoping it’s not too serious but thankfully, it only looked like a precaution.
Substitutes:
Willian – 5
Many people were surprised to see the Brazilian replace the injured Morata instead of Michy Batshuayi but Antonio Conte opted to play Willian alongside Eden Hazard up top and, I have to say, it wasn’t one of his greatest ideas.
Michy Batshuayi – 5.5
Gave the Blues a much-needed focal point but couldn’t get the service he required to make his mark.
Pedro – 5
Introduced alongside Batshuayi but couldn’t threaten Ederson’s goal in his usual troublesome fashion.