Chelsea at Manchester City: Three lessons learnt in uninspiring loss

3. Fine margins are what separates the best from the rest

Chelsea title chase this season is all but finished. After just 22 matchdays in the Premier League, Tuchel’s “hunters” find themselves 13 points behind champions-in-waiting, Manchester City. As recent as the start of December, the Blues were still one-point ahead of the reigning English Champions at the top of the Premier League table. However, things change quickly in the world of English top flight football.

As Chelsea continued to drop a considerable amount of points from unexpected draws, Manchester City embarked on a 12-match unbeaten streak in the league that is still going on. When looking back at the home clashes against Burnley, Brighton, Everton and Manchester United—games in which the Blues were dominating for large periods but were ultimately let down by individual errors or lapses in concentration—it really is no surprise that they find themselves out of the title race as early as January.

This is most certainly a disappointing turn of events considering how the season started so promisingly for Chelsea. It is undeniable that COVID-19, as well as severe injuries to key players such as Ben Chilwell and Reece James, has had an adverse impact on performances. However, in the above-mentioned games, the horrible finishing and lapses in concentration cannot simply be attributed to either of these factors. Tactically, Tuchel’s decisions have not always worked out either. For instance, twice in the league against Manchester City, the German coach’s set-up would prove to be too cautious and negative. These decisions would result in Chelsea ceding all six points to their title rivals this season. These are the fine margins across the campaign that have cost the Blues a genuine shot at the title this season.

What are some of the lessons you learnt in the game? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter!