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Player Ratings: Chelsea 0-1 Manchester City (Premier League)

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A second half goal from substitute Riyad Mahrez inspired Manchester City to an important win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues began the game eight points behind Arsenal, the league leaders, but have now cut the gap to five points following victory in West London.

Chances came few and far between in the first half with Carney Chukwuemeka coming the closest for the hosts after his deflected effort struck Ederson’s post.

City could have had a goal though, with Erling Haaland surprisingly wasting a great opportunity following a clever piece of intricate play by Ilkay Gundogan.

The Premier League champions broke the deadlock after substitute Jack Grealish played a delicious ball across goal for Mahrez, who snuck behind Marc Cucurella and tapped into the empty net.

Here’s how we rated City’s 1-0 win over Chelsea!

Ederson – 7

With not much to do all game, Ederson proved reliable with both his hands and feet whenever called upon.

Kyle Walker – 6.5

In his first game back since Qatar, Walker did his job.

Starting on the right of defence, Chelsea rarely attacked down his flank and when they did, created nothing of note. He was subbed off for Rico Lewis at half-time.

John Stones – 8 (MOTM)

Another superb performance by the Englishmen. At 0-0, he made a brilliant last-ditch challenge to deny Christian Pulisic from a certain goal and was overall excellent whether it be his positioning or with the ball at his feet.

Nathan Ake – 7.5

Yet another solid performance from the Dutchman. Ake was sound defensively and proved a threat going forward when his headed attempt hit the post.

Joao Cancelo – 6.5

Deployed out in a right-wing position, Cancelo was regularly involved, when on the pitch, but struggled to perform to his own high standards. He fell victim to Guardiola’s half-time shake-up when he was taken off in favour of Manuel Akanji.

Rodri – 7

Typically City’s deepest midfielder, Rodri played the same role as he did for Spain in Qatar – centre-back. However following the break, he was back in his usual holding midfield position and normal service resumed.

Ilkay Gundogan – 7.5

A good display by the German. As a whole the Blues struggled to cut through the hosts’ defence but Gundogan found a way and was unlucky to not grab an assist in the first half.

Bernardo Silva – 7

During the first 45 minutes, Silva played a lot deeper than perhaps most City supporters would like.

However, moved further up the pitch in the second half. Despite not creating anything significant, Bernardo always looked a certainty to keep the ball and had former City target Cucurella all over the place but was surprisingly subbed for Mahrez 60 minutes in.

Kevin De Bruyne – 6.5

Perhaps a victim of his own immensely high standards, the Belgian had an unusually limited evening. The best midfielder in the world was good in glimpses but not near what we’ve been accustomed to.

Erling Haaland – 6

A very quiet evening for the Norwegian, Haaland didn’t see much of the ball but did spurn a chance in the first-half. He proved even more key in City’s box however, with a couple of crucial defensive headers.

Phil Foden – 5

Similar to Haaland, Foden made quiet return to the starting XI. The City academy graduate struggled to impose any sort of influence on the game. He was replaced by Jack Grealish at the hour mark.

Substitutes:

Manuel Akanji – 7.5

Just like Ake, the Swiss defender was solid. He came on at half-time and played in the middle of a back three

Rico Lewis – 8

It’s crazy to think how good Rico Lewis already is and even crazier to think how good he’s going to be because there’s no doubt in my mind this kid is going straight to the top.

Brought on at half-time with the score at 0-0, Lewis slotted into the team perfectly. Perhaps the biggest compliment I can pay him is the fact he looks like he’s been a regular in this team for years, when in fact he’s 18 and only broke into the team three months ago.

Riyad Mahrez – 8

Scorer of City’s goal, Mahrez was excellent when he replaced Bernardo Silva, constantly driving at Chelsea youngster Lewis Hall and combined great with both Rico Lewis and De Bruyne out wide.

Jack Grealish – 7.5

Super-Jack created the only opening of the entire game when his inviting left-footed ball found Mahrez. Apart from that, Grealish didn’t create much but definitely played his part.

Kalvin Phillips – N/A

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