Manchester City 1-0 Chelsea: Player ratings for the Cityzens as champions celebrate title win with comfortable victory | Premier League 2022-23
Manchester City celebrated their Premier League title by beating Chelsea 1-0 on Sunday, May 21. An early goal from Julian Alvarez was enough to give Pep Guardiola's side all three points at the Etihad Stadium.
The Cityzens, who are chasing a treble this season, were crowned the league champions when Arsenal lost 1-0 to Nottingham Forest on Saturday. The win against the Blues was City's 12th successive victory in the top flight.
With 88 points from 36 games, they have extended their lead at the top of the table over Arsenal to seven points, with the Gunners having played one game more. Chelsea, on the other hand, are in the 12th spot with 43 points from 37 matches.
On that note, here are the player ratings for Manchester City:
Stefan Ortega - 7/10
Stefan Ortega emerged as a reliable deputy for Ederson. He made a host of fine saves, notably denying Raheem Sterling and Conor Gallagher. Though his lacklustre distribution will see the Brazilian keep his starting spot in the future.
Kyle Walker - 6/10
Kyle Walker captained the much-changed side and had a tough time against Raheem Sterling, though it didn't have any effect on the result.
Manuel Akanji - 6/10
After spending the last few matches as a left-back, he was back in his usual central role. Did not put a foot wrong, though he did fumble a few times when in possession. He won both this ground duels and one aerial duel. With a 92 percent passing accuracy, he was a solid presence for City at the back.
Aymeric Laporte - 7/10
It was a calm, quiet performance from Aymeric Laporte, who stood out mostly for his bright blue hair. He lost possession four times and committed two fouls. Not the best day in the office.
Sergio Gomez - 6/10
Sergio Gomez was a busy presence on the left flank, though he did little of note to give Pep Guardiola a headache in the next few games. He was dispossessed 11 times, indicating he wasn't at his best in the game.
Kalvin Phillips - 9/10
Kalvin Phillips made his first league start for Manchester City after the Premier League title was sealed. Despite struggling for minutes this season, he impressed against Chelsea. Battled hard in the midfield to win the ball back, which led to the only goal of the match. He then saw a header bounce off the post.
Riyad Mahrez - 7/10
Riyad Mahrez had a mixed afternoon against Lewis Hall, though he started getting the better of the youngster as the game progressed. Saw the team's second goal ruled out because of his handball.
Rico Lewis - 7/10
Rico Lewis played in a more attacking role that he likes but did well to help his team defensively. A good performance from the youngster. He made one tackle, one interception, and one clearance.
Phil Foden - 7/10
Unlike more of his teammates on the pitch, Phil Foden will be gunning to start either the FA Cup final or the UEFA Champions League final for Manchester City. And the Englishman played like he meant business, always trying to find an opening to assist a teammate or find the back of the net.
Cole Palmer - 7/10
Cole Palmer had a fun afternoon against veteran Cesar Azpilicueta. While he managed to beat the Spaniard on pace many times, he failed to turn it into anything meaningful.
Julian Alvarez - 9/10
No Erling Haaland, no problem! Julian Alvarez ensured Manchester City did not miss the Norwegian on the pitch. He kept the Chelsea backline busy, scored the only goal of the match, and saw a second ruled out for a handball by Riyad Mahrez.
Manchester City's substitutes' ratings against Chelsea
John Stones (57' for Manuel Akanji) - 5/10
John Stones' only noteworthy contribution was to block a shot on the line, though it didn't matter in the grand scheme of things as the flag had gone up for offside by then.
Erling Haaland (74' for Riyad Mahrez) - 5/10
Erling Haaland would've loved to add more goals to his season's tally but didn't look at his best on the day. He had only one chance, which he shot wide of the far post.
Kevin De Bruyne (78' for Sergio Gomez) - 5/10
Kevin De Bruyne didn't offer much when he came on, but it didn't matter as the team strolled to victory.
Rodri (78' for Aymeric Laporte) - 5/10
Rodri came on to solidify the midfield and help his team over the line, and he did just that.