Chelsea 1 – 1 MAN CITY – PLAYER RATINGS
1 Feb
Hart - Had surprisingly little to do. Other than picking the ball out of his net for the goal, for which he was blameless, it’s hard to remember him being involved in any meaningful action - 6
Sagna - It was no great surprise to see him play, bearing in mind Zabaleta’s issues against the very best wingers and the fact Sagna was twice selected to face Bayern Munich this season, and he justified Pellegrini’s faith. Shackled Hazard by staying tight and showing good awareness and pace - 7
Kompany - One iffy moment in the first half when he attempted a piece of cute control, but other than that he was the authoritative figure we have come to expect. Sharp to the tackle and strong in the air - 7
Demichelis - Nothing fazes him. Strolled through the game, carrying an air of nonchalance and composure with him. Got involved when he needed to, but with City mostly on the front foot, he could largely sit back and relax - 7
Clichy - As if so often the case with Clichy, his aggression from the back in closing down and making vital interceptions acted as the catalyst for City’s pressing game. Worked tirelessly to negate the threat of Willian and Ivanovic - 7
Fernando - Positionally, he was much better than he has been recently, and he helped to control the compact midfield areas, but he does still look a little awkward in possession - 6
Fernandinho - This was the Fernandinho we were captivated by last season. An absolute livewire in the middle, always on the front foot, always forcing Chelsea back and always likely to make something happen. Not afraid to bring Chelsea’s attacks to a sudden halt if caught out of position - 8
Navas - One of his most effective displays this season, he was a menace out wide. Constantly looked to get the ball and run at Azpilicueta, which also meant Hazard was forced to drop deep to help out, and supplied the cross in the build up to Silva’s goal - 7
Milner - Another big game and another standout Milner performance. This was classic Milner, complete with intelligent movement, ferocious pressing and diligent defensive duties. Probably the best player on the pitch - 8.5
Silva - Grew into the game after a sloppy first few minutes, but by the second half he was dictating play. Found his usual pockets of space, despite all the congestion around him, and if City were going to nick the three points, it would have come through Silva - 7
Aguero - Still not yet at his sharpest after returning from injury. If he had been, he would have gobbled up that chance in the first half and we’d have won the game. Some promising signs, though, in the way he was direct and purposeful when running with the ball - 6
Subs
Lampard - Made no difference to the game - 6
Džeko - Little chance to get involved - No time to mark
Jovetic - A couple of neat touches in injury time - No time to mark
Think navas is deserving of more than a 7, still needs better crossing, however his defensive work yesterday was awesome. Really helped us out when mourinho’s bus tried to come out of their half on the counter.
Touche …
Before the game I was thinking a draw was the best we could hope fore. After, I’m wondering why we didn’t win it. The answer is unfortunately Aguero’s inaccurate shooting – even the one for the goal needed Silva’s intervention.
Corners showed signs of improvement – not much though – and the short one after the added time was up was pretty stupid!
MDM was excellent again vk looks like he’s finding some form, the ref had a good game if inconsistent with the yellows, Sergio like our attacking play look a yard slow… Sagna milner nando & navas were excellent + Silva, when is the last time you seen a fullback at the bridge being giving the runaround, I felt that nasri would have been a better bet than Frank. Very encouraging display – its a shame we didn’t win’ hopefully we can go on a run now…if Sergio gets motoring things will fall into place.
Milner played really well but he doesn’t offer anything other than solidarity and hardwork.
Rubbish