The scoreline might only read 1-0 but this was a convincing performance from champions-elect Manchester City.
And while the goals might not have poured in the Manchester rain, City’s midfield certainly did reign, with Bernardo Silva, David Silva, Ilkay Gundogan, Kevin De Bruyne and Leroy Sane on song.
Formner Monaco man Silva popped up less than a minute into the second half to score the only goal, but it was all Man City as Pep Guardiola’s men enjoyed a staggering 80 per cent of the possession against Chelsea, the current champions of England.
Here, we rate Antonio Conte’s side in defeat.
CHELSEA (3-4-2-1)
Thibaut Courtois 6 – Was caught out slightly for City’s goal but dealt admirably with pretty much everything that came his way
Cesar Azpilicueta 7 – Well placed to block Sane’s goal-bound strike. Rarely puts a foot wrong, one of the league’s finest defenders.
Andreas Christensen 6 – His slack clearance led to City’s opener but stood up to the rigours of City’s relentless attacking probes.
Antonio Rudiger 6 – Started confidently but as City exerted more pressure, struggled to cope with the marauding Bernardo Silva.
Victor Moses 6 – Was sharp and alert in defence even if he struggled with Sane’s pace and trickery. Wasted a good chance to equalise.
Cesc Fabregas 5 – Was thrust in to counter the sumptuous passing of City’s midfield, but the 30-year-old was made to look a shadow of his former self
Danny Drinkwater 6 – Was workmanlike but overworked as he and Fabregas were simply overawed by Gundogan and De Bruyne’s driving runs.
Marcos Alonso 4 – At fault for City’s opener as he went to sleep at the far post and allowed Silva to ghost in and score.
Willian 7 – Was Chelsea’s best outlet with his pace posing problems for City. Just didn’t have anyone else on his wavelength.
Pedro 7 – A smart option with Conte’s side always likely to play on the counter. A willing runner but his forays forward were stifled by City’s high back line.
Eden Hazard 4 – Virtually anonymous. Even when he did get on the ball and spark attacks, was wasteful in possession.
SUBSTITUTES
Olivier Giroud 6 – Brought on for a tiring Willian but his only contribution was a header that was off target.
Emerson 6 – Replaced another tired man in Pedro, but little chance to shine.
Alvaro Morata N/A – A late, late addition for the woeful Hazard.
