Photo by @cfcunofficial
A real test and a match for the purists as Chelsea took on their main rivals for the title in their own back yard. Under the kosh for the first 30 minutes as City pressed very high, gave Chelsea no time on the ball and were very physical, Chelsea mounted a stoic rearguard before slowing the game down to disrupt City’s momentum. We got back in to the game as a result and a titanic battle commenced. The turning point was the sending off of Zabaletta which allowed Chelsea the time and space to attack with more purpose, and the substitutions of Ramires and Willian for Schurrle and Mikel adding an attacking threat and steel in equal measure. Schurrle scored a cracking smash and grab goal from a breathtaking counter-attacking move and that should have been that and all three points. Sadly Chelsea seemed to forget that Frank Lampard is the best in the business at timing his midfield runs to perfection and he sneaked in to get the equaliser. It was either that or Chelsea couldn’t believe their eyes seeing Frank in the blue of City rather than the blue of Chelsea – just like all of the Chelsea supporters watching the game. All in all 1-1 was a fair result.
Courtois – 6 – Made one or two good saves, but largely untroubled so few were the chances for City.
Azpilicueta – 7 – Had a decent game with some telling tackles and interceptions. Probably his best game of the season for us although not back to his consistent best of last season yet.
Terry – 7 – An absolute rock in defence in a very physical game where his strong leadership helped steady the ship when City bombarded us in the first half. Made a great last ditch block to deny Lampard a last minute winner.
Cahill – 7 – Like JT a great defensive display with important blocks and tackles during the game. Rose to the occasion as he so often does.
Ivanovic – 6 – Decent game again for Brana but one wonders if his new role as an attacking right back is affecting his ability to defend as we know he can. Often leaves gaps for the opposition to exploit, and was at fault for the goal, criminally letting Frank Lampard sneak in behind him.
Matic – 6 – Tough game for Matic and he wasn’t as impressive as he was in his debut in the corresponding fixture last season when he monstered Toure. That said he was solid, held firm and did a great job disrupting City’s play and got his tackles in. Stupidly booked for kicking the ball away.
This is what we had to say about it on the show:
Fabregas – 6 – The debate will rage as to whether Fabregas is best deployed next to Matic or further up the pitch where his slide rule passes can do more damage. Got a bit swamped by the physicality of City’s approach and there quick pressing, but when Mikel came on in the second half it freed Fabregas up to play in the number 10 role where his pass and movement helped set up Chelsea’s goal.
Ramires – 6 – Targetted by City who pressurized him from the word go. They’d done their homework and Ramires repeatedly got caught in possession or gave the ball away. But as always he was full of energy and bite. Booked for a petulant retaliatory tackle and was subbed on the hour.
Hazard – 8 – Cynically bullied for the whole game, but never shirked the fight. Was the only tangible threat to City’s back four all match, and started the superb counter attack for the goal with a visionary pass to Fabregas and then got it back to slide a perfect cross in for Schurrle to bury it. Brave display from the little Belgian.
Willian – 6 – Basically got kicked out of the game by City without much protection from Mike Dean. Couldn’t really get going as a result, and was, like Ramires caught in possession or gave the ball away a lot. Subbed on the hour.
Costa – 6 – Superb and fairly equal heavyweight battle with Kompany all match, but as we have come to expect never took a step back. Instrumental in helping to get Zabaletta sent off for what was definitely a second yellow card. Was unlucky not to get the winner with a shot that hit the post with Hart all but beaten. Put in a great shift and clearly enjoyed the physical challenge.
Subs:
Schurrle – 6 – We saw the two sides of Schurrle in the match. His running and movement posed a threat and the ‘super sub’ got on the end of Hazard’s cross to score Chelsea’s goal by being in the right place at the right time. However, switched off to allow Milner to get the ball to Lampard for the equaliser although Ivanovic was arguably more culpable.
Mikel – 6 – Shored up defensive midfield next to Matic when he came on and helped to free up Fabregas, Schurrle and Hazard and Chelsea’s attacking threat grew as a result.
Drogba – 6 – Not much time to make an impact
