Manchester City were left with only 9 men on the pitch, as they lost to league leaders Chelsea 3-1 at the Etihad Stadium.
City, after a good start, were rewarded for the early pressure they created with an own goal by Chelsea defender Gary Cahill in the 30th minute, meaning City went into half-time with a 1-0 lead.
Guardiola’s men started the second half positively as well and should have been 2-0 up but Kevin De Bruyne hit the crossbar from just two yards out. And Chelsea punished City for the miss by scoring the equaliser through Diego Costa before Willian handed the visitors the lead and in the final minute of normal time, Eden Hazard put the game beyond doubt.
Things got ugly very late in the game after a horror challenge from Aguero on David Luiz saw him sent off. Fernandinho lost his cool, as he appeared to be shoving Cesc Fabregas over an advertising board which meant the Brazilian also received his marching orders for his actions, leaving City with only nine players for the last few minutes.
On a disappointing day for the Citizens, let’s assess how each individual performed:
Claudio Bravo – 6
Looked assured on the ball and couldn’t do much for Diego Costa’s goal, but should have done better for the last two goals.
Jesus Navas – 6
Had a good game playing at right wing-back. He got forward regularly and posed a few questions to Marcos Alonso. It was his cross that Cahill diverted into the Chelsea goal.
Nicolas Otamendi – 5
The Argentine endured a torrid time going up against Diego Costa. Was booked in the first-half for a reckless tackle on the Spaniard. Was then bullied by Costa in the lead-up to the first goal and was beaten easily by the Costain the build-up of the goal.
John Stones – 6
Looked stable and sound after a nervy start to the game. Was at hand to sweep up everything in the middle of the park. A good showing overall by the Englishman.
Aleksandar Kolarov – 4
Looked good for most parts of the game. Defended well, but was beaten way too easily by Hazard for Chelsea’s third goal. Had some nervey clearances in the game.
Leroy Sane – 6
The German, playing in a very unfamiliar role at left wing-back, showed signs of promise as he got forward and got into good positions. But his defensive game was hardly up to the mark.
Fernandinho – 4
An early header by the Brazilian was ruled out for offside. Was brilliant in the midfield throughout the game until he completely lost it in the dying minutes grabbing Fabregas by the throat, and pushing him off the field. Deservedly received a red card.
Ilkay Gundogan – 6
Compact, crisp with his passing, kept things ticking in midfield for City. Got forward on occasions and got into dangerous positions at times. Defended well too.
Kevin De Bruyne -7
Unarguably City’s best player in the game. His deliveries from wide were absolutely top notch, movement excellent and was City’s main attacking threat. Should have made it 2-0 in the second half, but hit the crossbar from point-blank range.
David Silva -6
Another good showing by the City captain. Troubled the Chelsea defence constantly, but his effect waned as the match progressed.
Sergio Aguero – 7
Forced Courtois into a save from a powerful hit and came close to a goal in the second half. But was largely ineffective as David Luiz dealt with him well. Saw a red card in the stoppage time for a horrendous challenge on the Brazilian.
Substitutes
Gael Clichy – 6
Replaced Leroy Sane at left wing-back. His presence added steel to the defence but did not add much to City going forward.
Yaya Toure – 5
Came on to replace Gundogan as Guardiola went in search of the equaliser. Did not have an impact on the game.
Kelechi Iheanacho – 5
Got himself into good positions, but lacked the finish, after coming on for John Stones.