Chelsea’s winless run against Manchester City dating back to 2021 goes on as they were defeated 3-1 by the Champions at the Etihad.
Noni Madueke had given the Blues the lead just three minutes in after they pounced on an error from debutant Abdukodir Khusanov, with Nicolas Jackson handing him a tap in.
Chelsea didn’t build on this though, and were made to pay as Josko Gvardiol and Erling Haaland found the net eitherside of half-time, before Phil Foden put the nail in the coffin late on.
There were not a lot of individual performances that stood out as far as Enzo Maresca’s side are concerned, however some issues arose that have plagued the Blues a lot as of late.
Here’s The Chelsea Chronicle’s player ratings from the defeat to City.
Chelsea player ratings vs Manchester City
Robert Sanchez – 3/10
Questions will yet again be left at the door of Robert Sanchez for his bizarre positioning for Haaland’s goal in the second half. Even before then, a number of spilled shots could have cost Chelsea on another day.
Reece James – 6/10
Omar Marmoush gave Reece James all sorts of problems early on, however the Chelsea captain didn’t make things easy for him on his debut. Was not given much help by his winger as City targeted that side.
Trevoh Chalobah – 7/10
Following on from his Player of the Match display against Wolves last week, Trevoh Chalobah was impressive again against Manchester City. The Englishman just couldn’t compete physically with Haaland for the goal.
Levi Colwill – 6/10
Levi Colwill battled with Haaland throughout, however the Cobham-themed backline just couldn’t keep him out all game. Looked good on the ball as always.
Marc Cucurella – 7/10
Defensively sound for the most part up against the dangerous Phil Foden, Marc Cucurella was one of the better performers in a Chelsea shirt. Will not want to see his good chance in the second half again after he blazed it over the bar.
Moises Caicedo – 6/10
Booked early in the second half after a culmination of fouls, Moises Caicedo held his own but found it difficult to showcase his brilliance at the Ethiad this evening.
Enzo Fernandez – 5/10
Enzo Fernandez was unable to really help out in the attacking phase as Maresca would have liked, and looked as if he struggled in the big midfield duel against Mateo Kovacic and Ilkay Gundogan.
Noni Madueke – 7/10
Noni Madueke was on hand to open the scoring early on, but struggled with his defensive duties when up against the attacking Gvardiol.
Cole Palmer – 6/10
Cole Palmer had a great chance to score when the Blues were 1-0 up, however elected to pass and saw the opportunity go begging. Looked bright in moments but was unable to have his usual influence on proceedings.
Jadon Sancho – 6/10
Jadon Sancho looked busy down Chelsea’s left whenever he got the chance to attack, although those opportunities became few and far between as the game went on.
Nicolas Jackson – 5/10
Nicolas Jackson was alive to help pounce on Khusanov’s mistake in the first few minutes, however was not able to hold onto the ball when Chelsea were under the cosh. He was replaced after an hour.
Substitutes
Christopher Nkunku – 5/10
Did very little to impact proceedings after replacing Jackson. Christopher Nkunku’s time at Chelsea could reportedly be coming to an end, and tonight’s performance did little to change any decision makers’ minds.
Pedro Neto – 6/10
With Chelsea’s level already low when he came on, Pedro Neto was unable to make an impact on the game after he replaced Sancho. Would likely have been more comfortable on the right wing.
Malo Gusto – 5/10
Malo Gusto replaced James, who is still returning from injury, however didn’t have a meaningful contribution to his name.
