How the Blues got on at the Etihad Stadium.
It turned out to be a dramatic affair in the Premier League at the Etihad Stadium as Manchester City had to score late to earn a 1-1 draw with table toppers Chelsea.
READ MORE:
Manchester City player ratings v Chelsea.
Frank Lampard goal v former side Chelsea
Impressive Andre Schurrle goal for the opener.
It took a while for things to spring into life, but when Pablo Zabaleta was sent off in the second half the visitors leapt into action and took the lead through Andre Schurrle.
Things looked to be heading to another victory for Jose Mourinho’s men before of all people, club legend Frank Lampard scored the equaliser for his new side.
Here is how the Blues rated:
13. Thibaut Courtois – 7
Another decent display from the 22-year-old who continues to prove he is the right choice ahead of Petr Cech and could do nothing about Lampard’s strike.
2. Branislav Ivanovic – 6
Continues to look good going forward, but was uncharacteristically a bit lapse at the back to allow James Milner it to setup the equaliser.
24. Gary Cahill – 7
Looked good once again and an impressive City attack was made to look average by the England international and his defensive partner.
26. John Terry – 7
The captain was just as solid as Cahill and between them Sergio Aguero and Edin Dzeko were kept extremely quiet.
28. Cesar Azpilicueta – 6
Another strong performance from the Spaniard, who is less a makeshift and more of an established left-back now.
7. Ramires (Mikel, 63′) – 6
Started by Mourinho for his energy and whilst the Brazilian provided plenty of that, his creativity and passing was lacking.
4. Cesc Fabregas – 6
Was constantly in defensive mode as the Citizens dominated most of the game and the Spain international’s inspirational displays of late were not seen.
21. Nemanja Matic – 7
The sort of game were the Serbian earns his money and Matic did not disappoint, hustling and bustling in the middle and looking to break up the opposition attack.
22. Willian (Schurrle, 63′) – 5
Was frustratingly wasteful in the final third and with the likes of Schurrle, Oscar and Mohamed Salah also vying for a place the Brazil international could well be dropped next time out.
10. Eden Hazard – 7
A decent game for the 23-year-old who used his pace and skill to great effect and provided a superb ball for the opener.
19. Diego Costa (Drogba, 86′) – 6
Having scored seven league goals going into this clash it was a somewhat more quiet affair for the new £32m man, although he gave Vincent Kompany a physical encounter and also hit the post.
Substitutions:
12. John Obi Mikel – 6
Came on for Ramires and looked a much better option in a game the West Londoners were defending more than attacking in.
14. Andre Schurrle – 7
Could well have booked himself a place back in the starting XI next time out after coming off the bench and scoring shortly after.
11. Didier Drogba – 5
Came on late for Costa but had very little influence on the game.