Antonio Conte’s Chelsea went four points clear at the top of the Premier League after a highly impressive comeback win at the Etihad Stadium as the second-half goals from Diego Costa, Willian and Eden Hazard fired them to a 3-1 victory against rivals Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
It was an exciting encounter between two of the best teams in the league this season, but a few moments of lapses from City and Chelsea’s brilliance on the counter meant the league leaders got one over Guardiola and his team, despite being a goal down in the first half, thanks to Gary Cahill scoring past his own keeper.
It was always going to be a tough test for the Blues, given City’s attacking firepower, and they were under the cosh many a times, but managed to come back stronger in the second half and get the win, their eighth in a row.
On a night which saw some very good performances, let’s see how each Chelsea player fared:
Thibaut Courtois – 7
There was absolutely nothing he could do about Gary Cahill’s own goal. Other than that made some crucial saves as Aguero tested him with some powerful strikes.
Victor Moses – 7
The Nigerian has finally found the rhythm, and this was going to be his stern test. Did well in defending and played some trickery as well. A good performance from the former Stoke, Liverpool and West Ham reject.
Cesar Azpilicueta – 7
Chelsea’s best defender in the match. Had a busy night against the likes of Aguero, Sane and Silva but stayed strong and dealt with everything that came his way and also provided great cover to Moses.
David Luiz – 6
Was at hand to make several important blocks and defended largely well throughout the game. Got away with a contentious foul on Aguero who was through on goal in the first-half.
Gary Cahill – 5
Bad game for Chelsea’s captain on the night. Was constantly put under pressure, looked out of pace and to make it worse, scored past his own keeper to give City the lead in the first-half.
Marcos Alonso – 6
City enjoyed much joy attacking from his flank as Kevin De Bruyne and Jesus Navas were afforded lots of space. But grew into the game with time and finished with a long-ball assist for Chelsea’s third goal.
Pedro – 6
Hardworking as ever, ran up and down the pitch. Had a few positive moments before getting injured by Aguero’s tackle in the first half and was taken off very early into the second period.
Cesc Fabregas – 7
Starting his first game since September, the Spaniard was quiet in the first half but improved as the game wore on. Showed his quality with a sensational ball for Costa to bundle home Chelsea’s first. Defended well alongside Kante.
N’Golo Kante – 7
Gave the ball away in key areas at times and one of those almost sent City through on goal. Went hard at the City players, pressing them into making mistakes, frustrating them.
Eden Hazard – 8
Came close to score early in the game after Sane headed the ball into his path. Should have given Chelsea the lead after a ball from deep caught Otamendi off causing Bravo to come way out. He was brilliant in the second period, setting Costa off in the build up to Chelsea’s second goal. Put the match to bed with a low finish late in the game.
Diego Costa – 8
Brilliant in the second half. Caused many problems to the City’s backline. Did brilliant to get on the end of Fabregas’ pass and slot it past Bravo to equalise for Chelsea. Set up Willian for the Blues’ second with a lovely weighted through ball. Man-of-the-Match performance by the mercurial striker.
Substitutes
Willian – 7
Came on early in the second period for Pedro. Was full of energy and running as he gave Chelsea the lead from a counter-attack. Troubled the City defence to a great extent.
Nathaniel Chalobah – 5
Came on for Costa with only 5 minutes left to play. Did not do much until getting involved in the ugliness that ensued at the end of the game. Was booked for his reaction to Aguero’s challenge.
Michy Batshuayi – NA
Came on for Eden Hazard with very less time to play. Not enough time to have any impact.