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In the first shock of the year in the Premier League, Manchester City made short work of Chelsea (3-1) and returned to the title race.
Impressive Manchester City
Demonstration at Stamford Bridge. Forced rest after his postponed match against Everton at the start of the week due to coronavirus in the citizen ranks, Pep Guardiola’s men turned off Chelsea in the space of 15 minutes, in the heart of the first period (18 ′, 21 ′, 34 ′). Shaken by the Blues yet entered the match well, it was finally Gündogan, on the first highlight of City, who gave the advantage to his team, before Foden, well found by De Bruyne, doubled the stake in the stride. Apathetic, stunned by a team that recites its football, the Blues do not manage to get their heads out of the water, and while the opposing waves continue to surge on the goals of Mendy (22 ′, 27 ′, 30 ′), Thiago Silva’s teammates will be responsible for sinking their ship themselves. On a free kick from the premises in the midfield sent back by the Skyblues defense, Kanté, in the position of the last forward defender, misses his raise and allows De Bruyne to ideally launch Sterling alone in depth to challenge the last rampart. His strike hit the post but the Belgian, in second blade, crucified the last London hopes. Gündogan, on yet another assault, misses his heel and with it the double, just before half-time (44 ′).
Chelsea too shy
In the shelter after this first round of high fly, the City players leave the ball to their counterparts and act against. Sharp but unrealistic, the defending vice-champions do not manage to add to the bill. Zinchenko at the penalty point (50 ′) then Rodri, on a love ball from Kevin De Bruyne (54 ′) fail each time on an intractable Mendy. Opposite, the Blues are trying to react, without really believing it. Mount, from afar (55 ′), does not worry Steffens, the replacement for Ederson (positive for the Covid), while Kovačić completely unscrews his shot at the entrance to the area (58 ′). Entered in the 64 ′ place of Ziyech (back after a month of absence and not really to his advantage), Hudson-Odoi will have brought dynamism to the Blues attack but his goal, too late (92 ′), Will not change anything: Chelsea concede a third defeat at home this season in the league.
Undermined by cases of coronavirus in its workforce (Jesus, Walker, Ederson, Ferran Torres, Garcia), the Citizens have not suffered from these absences and are getting closer to the leaders. 5th at 4 points behind Liverpool and Manchester United, but with one game less, the Skyblues are definitely back in the title race. Chelsea, with 4 defeats in the last 6 games, fell to 8th place and seriously jeopardized their title chances. The future of Franck Lampard darkens day after day.
Photo credits: @PepTeam
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