Talking points from City-Chelsea match

The first big premier league clash of the season saw the match finish 3-0 in favour of City over defending champions, Chelsea. In what was a complete performance by the Manchester City side, Chelsea will need to address their backline if they want to defend their title and challenge for European glory later on in the season.

Five talking points from the match:-

1. Best players

The best player for the citizens was Aleksander Kolarov. The left back was a constant threat on the attack, combining well with Raheem Sterling up ahead of him. He was able to either cross some good balls in, or create and exploit space by the sloppy Chelsea backline. On the defence, the left was more or less solid, with a majority of the attempts coming down the right as Chelsea failed to break through Kolarov.

Chelsea’s best player was Hazard. The Belgian was the biggest and the only threat for Chelsea throughout. However, he was in the end let down by poor play from the rest of the Chelsea team.

2. Worst players

Branislav Ivanvic had the worst performance of all players on the pitch today. For the second consecutive match, he was totally out of his depth and Sterling, Kolarov and Silva took him merry rides. He was out of position often and the Chelsea right back was more exposed and had a lot of chose shaves coming from that side.

Sagnaa was the worst performer for the Citizens. He was invisible for most of the time, just about able to do his job at the back, but was quite often caught out by Hazard and Willian.

3. Facts for the night

This was the first time that Jose has substituted John Terry in a premier league match in the Portuguese coach’s time as the Chelsea boss.

For the first time in 9 years, Chelsea suffered a loss in the month of August.

For the first time in a little over 15 years, and since the 1998/99 season, Chelsea failed to win both of their first two matches in the domestic campaign.

The attendance of 54,000 is the highest Manchester City have recorded at the Etihad stadium, given their recent expansion plans.

Asmir Begovic made his full Chelsea debut with Thibaut Courtious suspended. He made 5 saves in the match including two attempts of Aguero.

4. Moments

The moment of the match was without a doubt the 44 Minute incident. In an attempted clearance, Begovic punched teammate Cahill who required cotton stuffed up his bleeding nose. As he was receiving treatment, Fernandhino took costa down roughly as they clashed for the ball, and from there on, tempers between the two possible champions flared up.

Given the light of recent events surrounding Chelsea regarding their doctor, The city fans were chanting her name when two key members of Jose’s side required treatment. Maybe its time to issue an apology Jose, given that even FIFA support her.

5. Rectification

Going forward, two bad results or 2 two good results do not define a team’s season but can pretty much give grounds for necessary changes.

Chelsea need to replace Ivanovic. For 2 matches straight, he has just been poor in his defensive and offensive roles. He might need a break to get his head into the game and Jose will need to now alter his defensive backline and perhaps let Kurt Zouma step up.

As for City, they seem perfect. A devastating inform midfield and attack, pace on both wings and strong fullbacks have seen them start the season with a bang. However the team needs to find a proper central defensive partnership given that both Kompany and Mangala have looked shaky at times and in the long run, some of the powerhouses of football can easily exploit this.

Chelsea have taken only one of six points, but as Mourhinio said before the match

The season is very, very long, we are speaking about 38 matches – 38 matches is an eternity, a marathon that started last weekend and ends in around 10 months. I cannot say it is crucial, I cannot say it is decisive, I cannot say it is very, very, very important. But, two title contenders, three points, so if you can get three and your opponent zero, it is important. I am not going to say the game is not important, but for sure I don’t say the game decides anything for the winner or the loser.

There is a lot more action in store for both teams in Europe and England.