Manchester City did what Arsenal failed to do on Tuesday – they won despite not playing at their best. The reigning Premier League champions narrowly defeated Chelsea at Stamford Bridge 1-0 that night.
City boss Pep Guardiola has spoken about the need to be “nearly perfect” to catch the Gunners before the game. Although they were far from perfect, City took all three points.
Perhaps the most surprising aspect of Thursday’s game was the fact that Erling Haaland didn’t score. The superstar striker already has 21 league goals. That’s more than the entire Chelsea team during the current campaign.
Blues currently in injury crisis
Chelsea went into the massive match with eight players sidelined due to various injuries. Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Reece James, N’Golo Kante, Ben Chilwell, Wesley Fofana, Armando Broja, Edouard Mendy and Mason Mount all missed the City game. Mount was a late scratch due to a knock in training the day before.
The injury problems for the Blues would only get worse on Thursday. Raheem Sterling and Christian Pulisic were substituted early in the first half due to injuries. The attacking duo appeared to have lower body muscle issues.
Despite the injuries, Chelsea started the game quite well. They were better for the first 30-40 minutes. In fact, Haaland did not touch the ball until the 20th minute of the game and City did not register a shot until the 33rd minute.
However, City finally woke up and soon put the pressure on. With the score tied after 60 minutes, Guardiola brought in Jack Grealish and Riyad Mahrez. Both players would team up for the only goal of the night. The English international scored a low cross just in front of goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga. All Mahrez had to do was hit the ball into the net from just a few yards.
Although it was a good pass from Grealish, surely you have to ask questions of Kepa. The Spanish goalkeeper froze when he saw the ball pass right in front of him. It certainly looked as if Kepa could have tried to pick up or clear the ball.
Man City and Chelsea go in different directions
Defeat means Chelsea remain in 10th place. They are currently behind London clubs Fulham and Brentford at the moment. The Blues have now collected just six points from their last eight league games.
City, on the other hand, are now just five points behind league leaders Arsenal. The two clubs have yet to meet twice in the top flight this season.
PHOTO: IMAGO / Sportimage
