Full Time: Manchester City 2-0 Chelsea
Manchester City ran out comfortable 2-0 winners over Chelsea in the FA Community Shield game to start their season with a troohy. Two goals from Sergio Aguero was enough to see off a meek challenge from the Blues as Pep Guardiola’s men looked sharper and energetic.
Chelsea were off the pace is various aspects but they were by far second-best to Manchester City’s midfield. It seems like Maurizio Sarri has quite a job in his hands if he intends to get his team ready for Premier League action next weekend.
Meanwhile, Guardiola fielded a near full-strength side which put in a commanding performance against the FA Cup holders.
Here’s how the Man City stars fared on the day:
Manchester City Player Ratings
Claudio Bravo (6.5)
Bravo wasn’t particularly convincing even when Chelsea didn’t threaten much throughout the game. His passing from the back was impressive though.
Kyle Walker (7)
Walker’s first competitive game since the World Cup semi-final defeat and the Englishman was a bit leggy. But he defended well all game.
John Stones (7)
Stones was a bit heavy-footed too, however, the Englishman kept progressing once the game took shape. He was key in setting up Aguero’s second goal by starting the counter-attack.
Aymeric Laporte (7)
Laporte was solid and secured at the back. Guardiola would have a dilemma because Kompany and Otamendi are fit enough to start next weekend against Arsenal.
Benjamin Mendy (6.5)
The Frenchman was his usual self while making the runs forward but was caught out of position on more than one occasion. He will come to grips quickly and the important thing was he looked fitter.
Fernandinho (7.5)
The Brazilian has been an integral part of Manchester City’s midfield, and he quietly went about doing his business today.
Phil Foden (7.5)
Foden really looked a part in the game, his slick touches and lovely close-control were the features of his fantastic all-around display in midfield.
Bernardo Silva (7.5)
Silva began the game as one of the number 8s, causing plenty of problems to Chelsea. The Portuguese played most of the second half down the right-wing and looked very sharp.
Riyad Mahrez (6.5)
Mahrez was sumptuous with his positioning to create space for himself. However, the Algerian needs to work on his final ball if he intends to be a regular under Guardiola.
Sergio Aguero (9.5)
The Argentine looked like he was never out of action after the World Cup. His movement was causing all sorts of trouble to a somewhat static Chelsea backline. Scored two goals and could have had a hat-trick, only for Willy Caballero to deny him the shooting opportunity from close range.
Leroy Sane (6)
Sane wasn’t at his best and was rightly hooked off at half-time. The youngster will learn as the season progresses.
Substitutes
Ilkay Gundogan (7) (Subbed on at Half-time)
Replaced Sane to provide solidity in midfield and allow Bernardo Silva to play in his usual attacking position.
Gabriel Jesus (6.5) (Subbed on after 68 mins)
Jesus got some minutes under his belt, which will aid him to prepare well for the season ahead.
Brahim Diaz (7) (Subbed on after 75 mins)
Showed some bright sparks in the midfield after replacing Foden.
Vincent Kompany (N/A) (Subbed on after 80 mins)
Kompany came on late in the game to provide Stones a chance to play in the defensive midfield position.
Read More: Who is this £2.6m Man City new signing? Another shrewd move by Pep Guardiola?
Claudio Gomes (N/A) (Subbed on after 90 mins)
Came on so late that he didn’t even touch the ball.