Chelsea remained at the top of the Premier League table after coming from behind to beat Manchester City 3-1 at the Etihad Stadium. What first caught the eyes was Cesc Fabregas replacing Nemanja Matic at the heart of the midfield. Here are the ratings of the Blues’ players who were involved in the engaging match:
Thibaut Courtois (7) – The Belgian made a couple of strong saves to deny De Bruyne and Sergio Aguero from adding their names to the score sheet. Could not do much for City’s only goal as it deflected off Gary Cahill’s shin right before him.
David Luiz (6) – The former PSG man was under the spotlight numerous times. He sparked the first controversial call of the match when he nudged off Aguero who was bombarding forward with speed. Looked comfortable as the match progressed and took a rash tackle from Aguero nearing the dying minutes of the match.
Gary Cahill (5) – The skipper broke the deadlock with an own-goal after putting up the wrong foot to veer in Jesus Navas’ cross. Had a few nervy moments in the second period too. Chelsea’s three points have papered over his error to a certain extent.
Cesar Azpilicueta (6) – Made a crucial block in the first half to deny Sergio Aguero’s goalbound strike and grew into the game to help his side to guard the lead till the final whistle.
Marcos Alonso (6) – The former Fiorentina man ventured forward a couple of times yet defensively had some hard times to shackle with Jesus Navas. Bagged his second assist of the season with a precisely lofted pass that found Eden Hazard, who netted Chelsea’s third of the afternoon.
N’golo Kante (6) – Wasn’t particularly impressive in the first half, gave away fouls and misplaced passes. Looked more comfortable on the ball in the following 45 minutes.
Cesc Fabregas (7) – Repaid his manager’s faith with an absolute peach of an assist in the 60th minute for Diego Costa. Commanded the centre of the pitch with decent passes and movements.
Victor Moses (7) – His last-ditch interception of Navas’ dangerous cross was essential as Aguero was waiting to pounce right behind him. Regularly offered an extra hand in the attack along the right flank.
Eden Hazard (8) – Chelsea’ creative fulcrum once again. The Belgian maneuvered the ball brilliantly and sealed three points for his side in the 90th minute with a composed finish. Lively all the time.
Pedro Rodriguez (6) – His work-rate was commendable. Looked promising each time moving forward but nothing fruitful. The Spaniard was replaced by Willian 4 minutes after the second half commenced.
Diego Costa (9) – The vehemence of his attacking threat was evident as soon as the match kicked off. He was tenacious and strong, never gave John Stones a breather. He snatched the equaliser with a solid chest control and rifled a strong shot past Bravo. A beauty from the beast. Moments later, he unraveled the home side’s backline with a through-ball that got Willian netting Chelsea’s second goal.
Substitutes:
Willian (7) (on for Pedro, 50th minute) – Chelsea’s attack looked more dynamic and dangerous after he came on for Pedro in the second half. Got his side the lead with a prolific finish after a commendable burst of pace.
Michael Batshuayi (N/A) (on for Hazard, 94th minute) – Replaced his compatriot to run down the clock.
Nathaniel Chalobah (N/A)(on for Costa, 85th minute) – Racked up some big game minutes.
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