Chelsea: Player ratings vs Manchester City; Pulisic MotM
Willian (Right winger): 7.5
Willian put the game away with a brilliantly taken penalty into the top left corner of the net. However, it was the work he did quite literally leading up to the penalty being given that earned him a Man of the Match nomination. Willian’s brilliant, pacey runs in tight spaces allowed other players to get free higher up the pitch. Much like the Blues’ starting striker, Willian did the work few others are willing to do. He sprinted up and down the pitch—being heavily involved in build-up play and setting the edge defensively—with blistering pace. There’s something to be said for Willian’s work rate and it may earn him an extension beyond this season at Chelsea.
Olivier Giroud (Striker): 6.5
Simply put, Giroud did the dirty work. He did what he does best and held up play while the wingers and attacking midfielders flew by him to counter Manchester City. Giroud was also a crucial figure in the air. He brought down a few Arrizabalaga clearances, but struggled to do much else in the game. His passes were off target, and he didn’t get many looks in front of goal. His lack of speed and stamina when Chelsea pressed high saw him get subbed off for Abraham early in the second half.
Christian Pulisic (Left winger): 9.5
Pulisic scored a breathtaking goal to punish Manchester City’s defense and give Chelsea the lead in the first half. He nearly got a second, but Kyle Walker made a wonderful clearance off the line to deny him by inches. Regardless, Pulisic’s playmaking ability, versatility and big-game mentality earned him Man of the Match honors. He continues to shine in his return from injury as he was nearly perfect for the Blues.
Tammy Abraham (Striker): 7
Abraham will largely be remembered in this match for earning Chelsea the penalty that ended up being the winner. He played well during his 30-35 minutes on the pitch, offering speed in attack when Giroud no longer could.
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Pedro (Left winger): N/A
Pedro earned Chelsea a corner in the dying minutes of the match and that’s more than what was asked of him. He came on with Gilmour to see out the 2-1 win, and was not on long enough to make a serious impact.