Manchester City 1-0 Chelsea: Blues' Player Ratings from a lackluster performance at the Etihad Stadium | Premier League 2022-23
Chelsea fell to a 1-0 defeat against champions Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday, May 21.
The Blues entered this game on the back of a worrying run of form. Having made a poor start to life under interim manager Frank Lampard, they had failed to win any of his first seven games in charge, only securing a 3-1 win over Bournemouth on May 6. Their last outing was a disappointing 2-2 draw against Nottingham Forest in which they came from behind but then let their lead slip.
With nothing much to play for and just two games to go, Lampard and his men were eager to end this campaign on a high as he fielded a competitive lineup.
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Manchester City began the game on the front foot as Pep's nine changes gave them a big boost in terms of energy and motivation to perform. They kept the ball for 64% of the first period and opened the scoring after just 12 minutes. Cole Palmer provided an assist for Julian Alvarez to score and put the hosts 1-0 up.
Chelsea lacked bite going forward and had the ball for just 36% of the period. They managed five attempts but just one of those was on target, failing to test Stefan Ortega in goal. With the title wrapped up, Phil Foden and Co. played a cautious game and did not take too many risks as they navigated their way to half-time with a 1-0 lead.
Both Guardiola and Lampard turned to their respective benches as they made wholesale changes in a bid to alter the proceedings. However, Manchester City were content to sit back and move the ball around, appearing to be happy with their slender advantage.
Julian Alvarez appeared to have doubled the hosts' lead midway through the second half but VAR came to spare Chelsea's blushes as the goal was disallowed. The visitors attempted eight shots and hit the target five times but were unable to find a way past Ortega as City held on to their lead, and their win.
On that note, let's take a look at Chelsea's player ratings.
Chelsea Player Ratings
Kepa Arrizabalaga - 6/10
Kepa made just one save in a relatively poor performance.
Wesley Fofana - 6.5/10
Fofana was sharp in defense and won two of his four duels, making two clearances, two blocks and one interception. He also played two long balls.
Thiago Silva - 7/10
Silva had a good game defensively as he won both his duels, making three clearances, three interceptions and two blocks. He also played three long balls.
Trevoh Chalobah - 6.5/10
Chalobah had a decent game defensively and played the entire 90 minutes.
Cesar Azpilicueta - 6/10
Azpilicueta started as the right wing-back and was visibly struggling against younger and quicker players.
Enzo Fernandez - 7/10
Fernandez had a good game in midfield as he passed the ball with 87% accuracy, including one key pass and three long balls. He completed two dribbles and also won five of his eight duels. Enzo was booked for arguing with the referee in the second half.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek - 7/10
Loftus-Cheek enjoyed a good game in midfield and was involved on both ends. He passed the ball with 92% accuracy, including one key pass and one long ball. He completed two dribbles and won six of his seven duels.
Lewis Hall - 7.5/10
Hall was Chelsea's best player on the night, by far. He took the initiative and drove forward with the ball at his feet, making two key passes, two crosses and two long balls. He also attempted two shots on target.
Conor Gallagher - 6.5/10
Gallagher had a decent game in the middle of the park.
Kai Havertz - 7/10
Havertz had a decent game up front but was unable to make his mark on the scoresheet. He attempted three shots, hitting the target just once. He also played one key pass and one long ball.
Raheem Sterling - 6.5/10
The former City man struggled for Chelsea tonight as he attempted two shots on target but failed to test Stefan Ortega.
Substitutes
Noni Madueke - 6/10
He replaced Sterling in the second half and played well.
Mykhaylo Mudryk - 6/10
He replaced Gallagher and put in a decent performance.
Kalidou Koulibaly, Carney Chukwuemeka & Christian Pulisic - N/A
The trio came on for Chelsea with very less time on the clock and did not play enough minutes to warrant a rating.