Full Time: Chelsea 2-1 Manchester City
Chelsea recovered from their shock weekend defeat to Crystal Palace by securing a nervy 2-1 victory over Manchester City at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night.
Hazard’s deflected strike gave the hosts a 10th-minute lead. However, City keeper Willy Caballero should have saved the effort. Sergio Aguero equalized for Pep Guardiola’s side with a tap-in after 26 minutes, following a poor clearance by Chelsea keeper Thibaut Courtois. But Hazard restored the Blues’ lead against the run of play in the 35th minute with a hit on the rebound after his weak penalty was saved by Caballero.
Antonio Conte’s men had to dig deep in the second half with Vincent Kompany striking the crossbar and John Stones missing a great opportunity in the stoppage time. However, Chelsea held on to clinch the victory.
The result ensured that Chelsea maintained a seven-point lead at the top of the Premier League table, with Tottenham winning their game against Swansea on the night. Here is how the Chelsea players fared against City.
Chelsea Player Ratings
Thibaut Courtois – 6.5/10
Gave the ball away cheaply which allowed Aguero to equalise. But after that blip, he looked solid and made several important stops.
Kurt Zouma – 5/10
Started his first game since February 2016. Looked nervy for most parts, but did show glimpses of his talent. Whisked off at half-time as Conte looked to strengthen the midfield.
David Luiz – 7.5/10
A couple of hairy moments, but solid and composed for almost the entire game. Stepped out of the backline to keep David Silva from getting going. Dealt with Aguero as well.
Gary Cahill – 7.5/10
Never looked flustered and was always cool, making several key interventions. Strong in the air as well. A captain’s performance at the back.
Cesar Azpilicueta – 7/10
Started on the right wing and offered cover for Zouma on several occasions. Was slotted in at centre-half position post the restart and was comfortable. Jack of all trades.
Cesc Fabregas – 6.5/10
Had a fine first half. Played Pedro in with a perfectly weighted ball, using which Pedro won the penalty. Was caught out on occasions in the second period with the City midfield upping their ante.
N’Golo Kante – 7/10
Did the dirty work in the middle of the park with his usual bundles of never-dying energy. Was caught on the back foot at times. Not his best display, but still did enough to trouble his opponents.
Marcos Alonso – 7.5/10
Tireless performance on the left-hand side as he ran up and down all night. Solid and steady in defence and was tidy on the ball. Could have contributed a little more on the attack.
Pedro – 7/10
Looked good after having returned to his favoured position on the right flank. Did very well to win the penalty in the first-half, but had to drop deeper in the second period, which he did much more competently than against Crystal Palace.
Diego Costa – 6/10
Worked hard and battled well with Vincent Kompany. Created space for his teammates, but he could not have a sniff at goal.
Eden Hazard – 9/10
The man for the big occasions is clearly back to his best. Made things tick for the Blues throughout with his pacey runs. Opened the scoring before doubling his tally for the night from a rebound of his weak penalty that was saved. Ran the show for Chelsea.
Substitutes
Nemanja Matic – 6/10
Replaced Zouma after the half-time break to add more protection to the midfield. Did his job decently well, but allowed Stones a great chance to score, which the defender spurned.
Willian – NA
Came on for Fabregas in the 80th minute, looked bright.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek – NA
On for Hazard in the stoppage time.