Talksport.com
Saturday January 31st was a date circled by many soccer fans around the world. Manchester City would travel to Stamford Bridge to take on Chelsea FC, in what could become arguably the biggest Barclay’s Premier League game of the season. If Chelsea were to win, they would open up an eight point lead, a City win would see them cut the lead down to two points.
The first 15 minutes of the game gave the fans what they wanted. Both teams looked good in attack, and there was a flow to the game that surely entertained the neutrals. What was worrying for Chelsea fans was that City were getting more clear-cut chances.
Fernandinho and David Silva wasted no time in trying to make an impact on the game, and gave Chelsea fans some concern early on.
The first great chance for City came in the 24th minute when Bransilav Ivanovic lost possession in his own third. James Milner pounced on the mistake, and found Sergio Aguero. Aguero tried to beat Thibaut Courtois near post, but the goalkeeper was able to parry the ball back into play.
In the 30th minute Chelsea almost took advantage of a Vincent Kompany mistake, but Oscar’s effort with his weaker foot was held easily by Joe Hart.
End to end just minutes later, when referee Mark Clattenburg denied handball shouts from Chelsea, then Aguero had a one on one with Courtois, but put the ball just wide of the far post.
Chelsea would open the scoring in the 42nd minute through Loic Remy. Ivanovic played a beautiful ball to Eden Hazard, who hit a first time ball across the fave of goal. Remy was in perfect position, and tapped the ball past Hart.
City equalize on the stroke of halftime, through Silva.Jesus Navas’ cross brought Courtois out of his area, and while the ball missed its target, it fell to Aguero. His shot would have went wide, but Silva stepped in and redirected the ball into the back of the net.
Chelsea will be a little shell shocked after scoring and conceding so close in time. Now instead of trying to defend a lead, Jose Mourinho will now have to change his halftime instructions.
More from The Pride of London
- Bournemouth 0-0 Chelsea player ratings: Abysmal, reckless, wasteful
- Bournemouth 0-0 Chelsea: 3 Blues talking points
- 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
City got things rolling in the second half, when Fernandinho almost caught Courtois off guard with a downward header, fortunately for Chelsea fans, the tall keeper was able to palm the ball over the crossbar.
As the game went deeper into the second half, it still seemed as if City were still getting the better chances. Chelsea seemingly had the ball enough to create more opportunities in the attacking third, but couldn’t do so with regularity.
Milner had a half chance in the 87th minute, but put his shot well wide of goal.
During the dying stages of the game, Chelsea were content to earn a draw, and keep the gap at five points. Gary Cahill and Ruben Loftus-Cheek were brought on to shore up the defense, and they did just that. Dider Drogba was also brought on, which provided an attacking option, but he was out there more for his leadership and experience.
Chelsea will retain a five point lead over their closest rivals, but won’t play them again. It will now come down to who makes fewer mistakes during the second half of the season.
MOTM: Kurt Zouma – The youngster had an excellent game in defense, making crucial challenge after crucial challenge. He is looking like a great purchase with every passing game.