Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
As little as five years ago, Chelsea FC vs. Manchester City might just be another fixture on the schedule. But ever since receiving the backing of their respective big pocketed owners, the match has always been to look forward to, for fans of the clubs and neutrals alike. The Blues would be looking to continue their hot start to the season which sees them sitting atop the league table, while City will already be trying to close the gap between the two clubs.
It would be Manchester City who would start the game on the front foot. For the first 15 minutes of the match, City continued to keep possession, and build pressure on the Chelsea goal. But multiple corner kicks and half challenges lead to no goals for the home side.
Chelsea would slowly fight their way back into the game, even if City were still winning statistically. Eden Hazard and Willian tried to assert themselves, but the Blues just simply couldn’t hold onto the ball for long enough periods of time to build a true attack.
More from Chelsea FC News
- Bournemouth vs Chelsea: 1 Blue Mauricio Pochettino should drop
- Bournemouth vs Chelsea: 3 Blues who must start
- Predicted Chelsea lineup vs Bournemouth: Palmer starts in 4-2-3-1
- Chelsea sporting directors finally reveal why they sign so many young players
- These 3 new signings may never get a game at Chelsea
By time the halftime whistle sounded, the edge on the game had noticeable worn off. Manchester City tried to advance forward, but every attack was thwarted by a disciplined Chelsea defense. As usual in tight contests like these, it would take a single moment of brilliance to swing the momentum for one of the teams.
City’s best chance arguably came all the way in the 54th minute. After Chelsea had problems clearing a corner, the loose ball fell kindly for Fernandinho at the top of the box. He made good contact with the ball, but his effort zipped wide of the goal.
Not long after during another sustained attack from the sky blues, Sergio Aguero got a shot off from point-blank range, but his effort was sent back by Thibaut Courtois.
The biggest moment of the game came in the 64th minute, when Pablo Zabaleta was sent off. After a rough challenge on Diego Costa, Zabaleta continued with some post tackle extracurricular activities. Because of this, he was shown his second yellow card of the game, and forced off the pitch.
Chelsea would soon take advantage of their man advantage in the 70th minute. After a City corner, the Blues pounced on the counter breaking away from goal immediately. The ball eventually ended up at the feet of Hazard on the right-wing, the Belgian played a low ball across the box, which found Andre Schurrle on the far post. All Schurrle had to do at this point was beat the keeper, and he did just that making the score 1-0 to Chelsea.
In a moment some Chelsea fans thought they’d never see. Club legend Frank Lampard was subbed on to play against his former club, after 13 years of service in West London.
The game was almost put to bed in the 80th minute by Costa. Man City were caught out once again, as Blue shirts flooded toward the City goal. Costa found himself with a bit of space, and fired a shot far post. Unfortunately for him, his shot came back into play after striking the post.
City would pull one back in the 85th minute, from none other than the aforementioned Frank Lampard. James Milner found himself in behind the defense, and cut the ball back towards the middle of the penalty area. Frank Lampard got into a good position, struck it well, and just beat Courtois’ near post. Understandably, there was no celebration.
With momentum now back on their side, City looked like they wanted to push forward and go for another. But the game ended in a 1-1 draw. Good result all things considered for Manchester City, but a slightly annoying result for Chelsea.
MOTM: Eden Hazard – Hazard, as usual, was the most consistent Chelsea player going forward. He showed flashes of brilliance when the side looked out of it, and played the final pass before their only goal of the game.
Follow us on Twitter at @PrideOLondon
Like us on Facebook at The Pride of London