Chelsea: Player ratings vs Manchester City; Pulisic MotM

Chelsea earned a massive three points against Manchester City at home on Thursday, but how did each player perform in the match?

The talk surrounding this match was dominated by Liverpool winning the title as a result. It’s a shame because tactically, Frank Lampard managed one of his best matches of the year. Chelsea looked sharp all around, a complete juxtaposition from the match at Villa Park.

In the end, the 2-1 result is all that truly matters as the Blues pull within one-point of Leicester City in third and stay five points ahead of Manchester United and Wolves. One of the most difficult matches remaining for Chelsea is now behind it. The Blues played well all around, but how did each individual perform?

Kepa Arrizabalaga (Goalkeeper): 6.5

Arrizabalaga had another solid night in goal. He made a crucial error on a clearance at the 15′ mark, but immediately made up for it with a fantastic one-handed save of Fernandinho’s free header. The Blues failed to keep a clean sheet because of Kevin De Bruyne’s sublime free kick, which one could argue Arrizabalaga could’ve done more to save. The fact of the matter is, that ball was going in regardless. Not much for Arrizabalaga to do aside from that. Overall, a decent night from the Spaniard.

Cesar Azpilicueta (Right back): 8

Azpilicueta getting the nod over Reece James at right back for the second match in a row was a bit surprising. However, the captain did a marvelous job defensively—per usual. The consensus amongst Chelsea fans was that the Spaniard would slot over to left back, but he locked down Raheem Sterling and limited Manchester City’s chances. Due to the high press and dominant possession stats from Guardiola’s side, Azpilicueta seldom played a part in attack, but he was exceptional again at the back. The 30-year-old was a huge reason Chelsea was rock solid in defense.

Antonio Rudiger (Centerback): 8

Rudiger followed up a mediocre performance at Aston Villa with a gargantuan display against Manchester City.

The mistakes? Limited. The passes? Accurate. The aerials? Improved. The defense? Rock solid. The #Hustle after an important victory? Posted.

Rudiger played a large part in limiting the amount of City opportunities—despite its overwhelming possession stats. It seems as if he’s done enough to solidify a starting role in central defense, now he just needs to add consistency to his game. An incredible outing against one of Europe’s top sides is one way to kickstart those types of performances.

Andreas Christensen (Centerback): 9

There isn’t much to say about Christensen’s performance tonight as it can all be summed up in one word: superb. Christensen, like Rudiger, seems to have locked down a starting centerback role and who would argue with Lampard’s decision after the defensive clinic he put on against City? Christensen looked comfortable throughout, both mentally and physically. He laid it all on the line tonight and it paid off as, had it not been for Pulisic, Christensen would’ve run away with the Man of the Match award.

Marcos Alonso (Left back): 6

Alonso starting on the left side of a back four is always going to make Blues fans a bit nervous. While the yellow card was rather soft, Alonso made a few mistakes near the box and the warning was punishment for it. An above average defensive display from the Spaniard, but he still has a lot of work to do. A few mental blunders almost cost Chelsea, but Alonso was either bailed out or made up for his lapses. Alonso wasn’t bad, but he was ways away from being good.