Five things we learned in Chelsea’s emphatic win over Manchester City

Chelsea fans are still riding high from Saturday’s win over Manchester City. The implications of the match continue to roll in.

In a match that should rewew hope for every other team in the Premier League, Maurizio Sarri’s Chelsea got the better of Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City. It was a match of sheer character, tactics and determination from the London side. Here are five things we learned from Saturday’s fixture.

1. Form has no bearing on Chelsea’s performance

Many people, including lot of Chelsea fans, predicted an easy victory for Manchester City. The Blues’ two losses in three games was hardly a sign of team in form. The only success in that sequence was an unconvincing 2-0 victory over Fulham.

The loss to Wolves, who were in a bad run of results, made even hardcore fans question the form of their team heading into the biggest battle so far this season.

The match started in such a way that it was only a matter of time before City had the lead. But once the opening 20-25 minutes passed, Chelsea started to show signs of confidence. They were in total control after the goal. It was exact opposite of how they lost to Wolves just three days back.

2. Maurizio Sarri willing to tweak the system when needed

One of the major criticisms Maurizio Sarri has faced is the lack of a plan B. In Italy, it was one of the reason his Napoli side were unable to achieve success. Although they battled till the end in Serie A, their performances in cup competitions were very poor.

Napoli stayed true to their possession-based passing style even in adversity. It cost them points, which ultimately was the difference between them and Juventus in the league. Until Saturday, Chelsea played in similarly.

Teams like West Ham and Everton showed how to stop Sarri’s system. Tottenham finally was able to break it. Wolves, too, got the better of the Blues. The lack of form from some players also helped those opponents. They showed how pressing, quick feet and pace can be used effectively against Chelsea.

Sarri knew going up against City with similar tactics would be suicidal. Even Pep Guardiola expected him to do the same, which is why he opted to start with a false nine. Sarri came up with way to deploy his team where they could stay true to quick passing but not allow City to take advantage. In the second half he was willing to change his midfield three to a midfield pair, with Kante and Jorignho. This pushed Ross Barkley into the No. 10 role with Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Pedro on the wings.

3. Players fighting as a team

One of the major signatures of Chelsea’s past 15 years has been their togetherness when fighting a bigger enemy. The battle against City showed there still is togetherness within the team. Each one of them knew what their role was and they stuck to it perfectly. Despite criticism over the past three matches, players like Marcos Alonso, Willian and David Luiz put everything into their performances

Although not a fan of leading the line against tall defenders, Eden Hazard was the pinnacle of selflessness on Saturday. The work rate of Pedro and Mateo Kovacic were terrific. Antonio Rudiger continued his good form for the Blues. And even though not at his best, Jorginho was able to dictate the play.

The return to right back has not been a major success story so far this season for Cesar Azpilicueta. But against City he was back to his absolute best. The Spaniard was able to show why he is the best 1v1 defender in the Premier League.

Chelsea were able to play out from the back only due to Kepa Arrizabalaga. His passing and calmness with the ball was immense for them.

N’Golo Kante initially struggled to keep up with things around him. But after the opening 20-25 minutes grew he starred in the midfield and capped it off with a brilliant opening goal. Even the substitutes, Loftus-Cheek and Barkley, were able to stick on with the plan to perfection.

4. Chelsea’s fans also showed up

There has been criticism in the social media about fans’ support inside Stamford Bridge. In many fixtures, away fans are heard a lot in the stadium, sometimes a lot more. Fulham’s travelling fans’ boos and chants against Marcos Alonso were heard throughout.

Chelsea’s away fans are seen as more vocal than the home fans. The opening minutes against City was similar as previous home games. But when the fans finally started to make the noise, it immediately changed the whole mood of the match.

In the second half the sound inside Stamford Bridge was the one Chelsea fans are known for. They were rocking the place and it had an instant impact on the players as well. This is the kind of support players love. Unsurprisingly and gratefully, the players were keen to mention the wonderful home support later.

5. Chelsea revealed opportunities against Manchester City

Everything was going well in the Premier League for Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City until Saturday. The defeat dropped them to second in the league. A team that scored for fun struggled to create a chance after the initial half hour.

Guardiola’s team usually attacks with five players. When the wingers take away the opposition’s fullbacks, the midfielders run into the space left behind. Maurizio Sarri nullified this tactic by asking his midfielders to occupy that space their fullbacks were pulled away from.

City, when attacking with five, push their fullbacks to inverted fullback roles which allow a lot of space in the region they left behind. Chelsea were able to use that space effectively with their speedier players. Such moves resulted in the opening goal and additional chances as the game progressed.

They showed how to get the better of City. It is now up to other teams to try.