Manchester City 2-1 Chelsea: 5 Talking Points & Tactical Analysis | Premier League 2019-20

2. Plenty of positives for Chelsea but their Manchester blues continue

There were plenty of positives for Chelsea

Back in February, Chelsea succumbed to a 6-0 defeat at the hands of Manchester City at the Etihad. And, a few months later, they were consigned to a 4-0 loss at Old Trafford on the opening day of the 2019-20 season.

Thus, the Blues represented a side who hadn’t particularly enjoyed their time under the Manchester sun (or rain) in 2019. However, they showcased plenty of courage and bravery to not abandon their philosophy on Saturday.

The first half saw the visitors control the encounter for large swathes, although they went into the break staring at a one-goal deficit. Apart from that arrears, their midfield looked well-oiled while their offensive movements caused the City rear-guard problems.

And, though there were a few shaky moments defensively, they still looked a team capable of ruffling the Sky Blues’ feathers.

Yet, after the restart, they failed to generate the requisite head of steam, despite enjoying the lion’s share of the ball at the Etihad. They weren’t able to muster a single shot on target in the entirety of the second period, meaning that the deflection off Ederson’s goal-kick was the closest they came.

Before the campaign began, several opined that the 2019-20 season represented one of transition where Frank Lampard would find it tough to challenge for the top four. However, they’ve silenced those doubters rather emphatically with a string of impressive displays.

But, if the Blues are to breach the next barrier and realistically challenge the likes of City and Liverpool, they need to start getting results, even when aren’t playing well.

After all, for everything they’ve achieved this season, they’ve not managed a victory against the likes of Leicester City, Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United.