manchester city
Ortega The score was close to zero before half-time due to Nicholas Jackson’s hesitation, before the striker produced a fine pair of saves. 7
Walker Despite being denied the ball by Senegal in a duel, he relished the challenge of Jackson’s pace as he failed to profit. 6
Stone Horror saw Jackson rush at him, block Madduke’s shot and was substituted at half-time, having just returned from injury. 6
Akanji Temple Replaces Stones as a false midfielder. Fortunately, he avoided dawdling in his own zone as Palmer shut down. 6
What Josko Gvardiol came on as a substitute and the Dutchman’s pace allowed him to tie down Madueke and he was alert and classy throughout. 6
Rodri Unable to call the shots (which was rare) and often in scramble mode as his sub-par late-season form continued. A worry. 5
B Silva Tentatively, it seemed as though the Panenka penalty against Real Madrid was still haunting him until his winning goal sent City celebrating. 7
De Bruyne Jumping around suddenly. His defence-breaking pass to Foden was outstanding, and his cross for Silva’s winner even better. 7
foot Strong run game, vision and willingness to catch the ball, but often gets under the radar when passing the ball. 6
Glarish Holding the ball caused problems for Chelsea. Palmer escaped a penalty call when his free-kick hit his hand. Take off after the Caicedo challenge. 7
Alvarez After Haaland was injured, his mistake gave Palmer a long-range shot opportunity. Missed opportunity late in regulation. 5
Substitute:
Dias(Stones ht) Integrated into the game almost seamlessly. 7
Pier (Grealish 66) The push took the game to Chelsea. 7
Bob (Alvarez 88) A false 9 cameoed later. 6
chelsea
Petrovich Like his counterpart, he was hardly overworked in the first half but then made quick saves from Foden and Doku. 7
Gusteau Glarish was coming towards him, so he had to be alert. Aim passed the ball and Jackson lurked in the Manchester City penalty area. 6
chalobah De Bruyne impressed with his potential sliding tackle in his area as the timing had to be precise. 7
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Silva City did not fully test the 39-year-old’s pace and instead burst in from behind, allowing the Brazilian to become a clinical player. 6
Cucurella When Foden passed the ball near the goal line, his header went wide and unfortunately Bernardo Silva’s goal was deflected. 7
caicedo Harassed and annoyed the usually regal sky blue midfield to great effect but lacked vision and quality. He remains a mystery. 5
Fernandez Ineffective and disappointing. A clumsy pass that went straight out was later corrected and he split the City backline in two to feed Jackson. 5
Marduk Apart from the odd flash going down the right side, there’s little to show for it, so should be disappointed. Being replaced – that’s understandable. 5
Palmer Link’s play on Jackson was as fluid as deceiving Rodri’s shoulder drop in the area. A category above. 7
gallagher Making his debut in this position for the first time, this may explain why the Chelsea captain is so outspoken and almost a passenger. 5
jackson Stones had tremendous pace but proved too complex when getting around Ortega – as he often does. Two golden openings were denied after the break. 4
Substitute:
Mudrik (Marduk 79) A poor free kick in stoppage time snuffed out Chelsea’s last hopes. 4
Disasi (79th grade) Will be disappointed with how De Bruyne set up the winner from his flank. 6
Chilwell (Cucurella 86) The effect is not big. 6
Sterling (Fernandez 86) Unfairly booed on entry – probably from City’s support. 6
