A rampant Chelsea team disposed of an inexperienced Manchester City 5-1 at Stamford bridge. Manuel Pellegrini fielded a young team having five debutants with the midweek Champions League game in mind, a decision that didn’t pay off as City’s young guns were run ragged by the Blues’ attack.
Guus Hiddink named an unchanged side from the one that lost to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League on Tuesday night. Chelsea opened the scoring with a Costa header after a fine cross from Hazard.
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City struck right back after a lovely interchange of passes saw the youngster Faupaula scored into an open net. That was the only goal City managed as it was a very one-sided second half.
Chelsea came out like a pack of hungry wolves in the second half, who looked like they would score with every attack. Willian made it 2-1 just minutes after the restart with a fine finish from a tight angle. Cahill added the third with a close-range volley with Hazard and Traore completing the rout. Here’s how the players fared during the game:
Chelsea :
Thibaut Courtois –7/10
Made a save early on from youngster Faupaula. He couldn’t do anything about the equalizer though after the youngster finally got the better of him. Didn’t have much to do in the second half except a few straightforward saves.
Cezar Azpilicueta – 6.5/10
The Spaniard gave away the ball a little cheaply with a weak clearance which led to the goal. But was his usual assured self for the rest of the match. In the end, his mistake didn't prove to be costly as Chelsea won comfortably
Gary Cahill – 7.5/10
Chelsea looked like they were going to lose another centre back after Cahill first suffered a knock on his thigh and then a bloody nose after a clash with Faupaula but he recovered and gave a good account of himself during the entire game. He also got on the scoresheet with a volley for Chelsea’s third.
Branislav Ivanovic – 6.5/10
The captain for the day in place of the injured John Terry. Looked a little exposed against Faupaula but otherwise was able to handle the Centre back role well.
Baba Rahman – 7/10
Had a good game at left back. He has adjusted well and seems to have consolidated his spot in the team. Combined well with the likes of Hazard and made good runs causing problems for City. Was also very astute in defence not giving the opposition attack too many chances.
Cesc Fabregas – 8/10
Was wonderful with his range of passing and pulled the strings brilliantly at the heart of Chelsea’s attacks. His ball distribution was a delight to watch and also made several runs into the opposition box to try and score
John Obi Mikel – 8/10
He was good in possession. Rotated the ball well among his fellow midfielders. Ensured Chelsea controlled the midfield and kept Chelsea’s passing football going with admirable fluency.
Pedro Rodriguez – 7.5/10
Was quick, agile and all over the city today. The winger has found form in recent weeks putting in another fantastic display. He should have had at least a goal in the first half after hitting the post and testing Caballero's reflexes as well.
Willian – 8/10
Chelsea’s best player of the season so far showed his class once again. His darting runs and pace was too much for the City defence and he scored after a wonderful move that put Chelsea in front in the second half.
Eden Hazard – 9/10
The real Eden Hazard seems to have finally showed up as he was back to his devastating best today. Scored with a well taken free kick and also laid two more goals for his teammates. He even chipped in with some defensive work and was definitely the man of the match.
Diego Costa – 8/10
A striker who can’t stop scoring at the moment. Was in the right place at the right time while scoring from Hazards' cross. Was his usual bullish self against the defence causing several problems
Substitutes
Bertrand Traore – 7/10
Came on for Costa in the final 20 minutes and did well. Won a penalty for his team as well scoring an unusual back header for Chelsea’s fifth of the game
Nemanja Matic – 6/10
Came on for Mikel but didn’t have much to do as the game was already over by the time he got his chance
Oscar – 6/10
The Brazilian was very positive and his energy was evident when he came on to the pitch but he missed a penalty after his tame effort was saved.He did set up Traore for the fifth goal though.
Manchester City
Willy Caballero - 5/10
Had a mixed day in goal. Made some great saves and some awful errors. Was partly to blame for both Cahill and Hazard goals but at the same time made a brilliant save from Pedro
Aleksandar Kolarov – 6/10
City’s captain for the day. Was good going forward with his surging runs on the flank but was exposed too many times by Chelsea's’ wonderful combination play
Martin Demichelis – 4/10
Was very much below par. With all his experience this was a shambolic performance and was at fault for some of the goals as well as the penalty which luckily for him Chelsea missed.
Tosin Adarabioyo – 6/10
The 18-year-old debutant had a tough time against the likes of Chelsea’s Costa but he made a few crucial interceptions and won a few Ariel duels as well.
Pablo Zabaleta – 5/10
The Argentinean was not his old self and seems to have lost form. He struggled against the Chelsea attack on several occasions and looked like his age had caught with him
Bersant Celina – 5/10
After a few substitute appearances in the Premier League, he finally got his chance. But he was unable to influence the game in any way and hardly got on the ball. He was substituted early in the second half.
A. Garcia – 5/10
Slightly wayward in his passing and once again did not get too involved in the game. He could’ve done better in his marking of Willian for the second goal
Fernando – 4/10
Being the most experienced of the midfield, he should have done better in terms of holding up the ball and stopping Chelsea’s attack but he neither of those things and looked disoriented against Willian, Pedro and Hazard
M. Garcia – 5.5/10
The youngster tried to impose himself on the game but it was always going to be difficult against the experienced Mikel. He showed glimpses of ability when on the ball but didn’t have too many opportunities to affect the play.
David Faupaula – 7/10
The most impressive City player on the night. The teenager took his chance and never showed signs of nervousness against a daunting opposition. Gave the likes of Ivanovic and Cahill a tough time in the first half with his direct play and got his rewards with CIty’s only goal of the game.
Kelechi Iheanacho – 6/10
Setup his strike partner for the goal in an otherwise average display. Didn’t receive much service and at the same time couldn’t really trouble the defence despite being the most experienced of the youngsters.
Substitutes
Brandon Barker – 5/10
Came on for Celina in the Second half and was bright towards the end of the game
Cameron Humphreys – N/A
Was a late substitute for Fernando
