Chelsea struck a major blow in the Premier League title race as they became the first side to take points away from the Etihad this season, with Branislav Ivanovic’s strike providing them with all three in a richly deserved 1-0 victory over Manchester City.
The match had been billed as a classic encounter of attack against defense, with City’s firepower matching up against Chelsea’s efficient pragmatism. While that narrative largely held true, the real story was Chelsea’s tactical discipline and willingness and ability to exploit their opponents’ lack of it.
While City have shown vulnerability on occasions this season, it was extraordinary to see how, both due to tactics and the personnel on the field, exposed City were left in a match of this magnitude. Certainly the battle in the dugout was won by Jose Mourinho, who had Nemanja Matic and David Luiz doing superb jobs just in front of the back four to provide a solid foundation.
But in bringing in Ramires for Oscar and moving Willian to the center, he ensured he had an abundance of pace to hurt City on the break. This was a performance that went beyond merely parking the bus. Time and again Chelsea tore through City, who were missing the dynamism of Fernandinho and instead had Martin Demichelis operating in midfield. The Argentinean, whose lack of pace was laid bare, may get much criticism, but arguably more culpable was the lack of discipline of his fellow midfielders David Silva, Jesus Navas and, particularly Yaya Toure.
With Eden Hazard outstanding and Willian not far behind, Chelsea could have won far more comfortably if they had been more ruthless in front of goal, hitting the woodwork on three occasions. City may have run roughshod over the rest of the Premier League this season, but they were crudely exposed on this occasion.
The two sides now sit level on points in the Premier League, just two points behind Arsenal in a title race that becomes more intriguing by the week.
More to follow.
Manchester City 0-1 Chelsea 03.02 ourmatch.net by ourmatch
VIDEO Chelsea 1-0 Manchester City: Highlights; Ivanovic Goal Gives Brilliant Blues Big Win
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