Manchester City celebrated their successful Premier League title defence with a 1-0 win over Chelsea this afternoon.
The unquestionable first among equals in English football, who can make further history by completing a historic treble, were indebted to Julian Alvarez and now visit Brighton on Wednesday evening before ending their league campaign at Brentford in a week’s time.
Pep Guardiola’s men secured their fifth championship in six years, and third on the bounce, after championship rivals Arsenal suffered a shock loss at relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest on Saturday evening.
That bench… ?
Is this the greatest bench of all time? ? pic.twitter.com/o6lmEYESi6
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 21, 2023
With everything decided, Guardiola made no fewer than nine changes from the side that beat Real Madrid with only Kyle Walker and Manuel Akanji retaining their spots. Fringe players such as Kalvin Phillips, Sergio Gomez and Cole Palmer were handed an opportunity to show their manager why they should feature more regularly in the months to come.
Blues interim head coach Frank Lampard, who avoided defeat away to City earlier in the season with Everton, made five changes with Wesley Fofana and Ruben Loftus-Cheek among those selected.
Here’s how the players rated at the Etihad Stadium:
Man City
Stefan Ortega – 7.5 – A rare Premier League appearance for the German shot-stopper. Made an excellent save to deny Sterling one-on-one before following that up with some quick thinking after Gallagher’s headed effort struck the woodwork. Somehow ended up the busier of the two goalkeepers.
Manuel Akanji – 6 – The former Borussia Dortmund man needn’t a second invitation to bring the ball into midfield. Given their high line, Akanji effectively played as a deep-lying playmaker.
Aymeric Laporte – 5.5 – From a personal standpoint, this has been a season for Laporte to forget, it started with him recovering from injury, before struggling to hold down a regular starting berth. Today, with dyed blue hair, the France-born Spanish international proved his worth through some important clearances.
Rico Lewis – 6 – There was a brief period this season Lewis regularly featured in City’s starting lineup, with Guardiola effusing praise on the youngster, however with development in mind he’s taken a backseat and today was another chance for him to show why many deem his future to be a bright one.
Kyle Walker – 6.5 – No rest for Walker this weekend. He alongside Akanji only a few days ago started against Real Madrid, and any chance of weariness disappeared from the get-go, though it was a more conservative performance from the oft-usual marauding defender.
Sergio Gómez – 5.5 – Signed following Oleksandr Zinchenko’s departure and the Spanish left-back thought he’d be City’s first choice but that idea never came to fruition with today seeing him make a first Premier League start. Hand an early sighter to put the hosts in front before going on to enjoy a quiet outing.
Kalvin Phillips – 8 – Making his very first Premier League start for Man City, last being named in a starting eleven in the competition in Leeds’ final game of 2021/22, almost exactly a year ago to the day (22nd May 2022 against Brentford). Ended today’s outing by making 14 final third entries which proved to be more than anyone playing in today’s game. Unlucky not to have found the net when he saw his 58th-minute effort strike the woodwork.
Phil Foden – 8 – He was unfortunate not to score in the opening half when his exquisite lob finish curled wide of goal. That was one of four attempts in this game, more than any other player on either team. Success today also saw Foden reach a century of Premier League wins (that include 34 goals and 18 assists) quicker than any player in competition history with this being his 127 appearances. He’s only suffered 14 losses.
Cole Palmer – 8 – This occasion marked Palmer’s first Premier League start of the season with his previous 11 appearances totalling 139 minutes. A promising opening salvo, which showed him displaying his dribbling ability, was rewarded with him registering a first-ever top-flight assist. Furthermore, he’s won all 16 Premier League games he’s appeared in for Manchester City – the best 100%-win rate of any player in the competition’s history.
Riyad Mahrez – 6 – Set the game’s tempo with numerous penetrating runs at Chelsea’s backline. Had an assist chalked off after illegally controlling the ball.
Julián Álvarez – 8 – Spearheaded City’s attack with their lethal marksman Haaland on the bench. It didn’t take him long to remind everyone why they went out of their way to sign him last summer. He’s now scored 12 goals across 12 starts at the Etihad in all competitions for Man City, scoring in 10 of those 12 starts.
Substitutes:
John Stones (for Akanji 57) – 6 – Didn’t know Sterling was offside when he produced a brilliant off-the-line clearance.
Erling Haaland (for Mahrez 74) – 5 – Came really close to doubling City’s lead mere seconds after entering the field of play.
Rodri (for Gomez 78) – N/A – A late sub.
Kevin De Bruyne (for Laporte 78) – N/A – A late sub.
Player name (for PLAYER GOING OFF NAME AND MINUTE) – X – Rating text
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Chelsea
Kepa Arrizabalaga – 6.5 – Back in Chelsea’s lineup after surprisingly dropped against Nottingham Forest last time out which ended a 20-game Premier League run. His goal wasn’t besieged as much as he probably thought. Understandably disappointed not to have kept a clean sheet.
Trevoh Chalobah – 5 – Saw a tame header comfortably saved by Ortega.
Thiago Silva – 5.5 – Even against City’s ‘second-string’ every fibre of his experience was needed.
Wesley Fofana – 5 – His return to Chelsea’s starting lineup started badly as his really poor pass into midfield was ultimately punished by Álvarez’s opener. Fofana did manage to redeem himself by putting together a commendable performance that saw him end up as Chelsea’s most frequent passer of the ball.
Lewis Hall – 7 – It’s now back-to-back Premier League starts for the young English full-back. Tasked with keeping the elusive Mahrez at bay, which is easier said than done, that being said Hall attempted five tackles in this game (more than any other player on either team) and showed glimpses of attacking excellence whenever he crossed into City’s half.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek – 4.5 – A regular fixture in this Chelsea side before an injury mid-season curtailed his campaign. Loftus-Cheek was unused in the early days of Lampard’s return but that has changed recently. Struggled to impose himself in today’s outing.
Enzo Fernández – 5 – Allowed frustration to boil over which earned him a booking for dissent.
César Azpilicueta – 5.5 – The veteran defender, starting only his second Premier League after recovering from a serious head injury, was deployed in a wing-back role and in brief spurts produced that endeavours spirit which formed the backbone of his illustrious career.
Conor Gallagher – 6 – Was relatively quiet before his thunderous header from close range crashed into City’s post. Ortega’s subsequent touch ensured it wasn’t going in.
Raheem Sterling – 6 – Not a pleasant return for the one-time incredible City winger. Had an opportunity to breach Ortega’s goal but couldn’t beat the reserve goalkeeper. Following that Sterling had several moments to draw Chelsea level but was found wanting.
Kai Havertz – 4 – Entered the referee’s book after producing a late challenge on Phillips which on reflection looked to be worthy of an orange card.
Substitutes:
Noni Madueke (for Sterling 70) – 5 – Fired a low cross across the face of the goal in the 80th minute but there was no one there in a Chelsea jersey to capitalise.
Mykhailo Mudryk (for Gallagher 70) – 5 – Had a shot blocked before a late chance went begging.
Kalidou Koulibaly (for Hall 82) – N/A – A late sub.
Carney Chukwuemeka (for Loftus-Cheek 82) – N/A – A late sub.
Christian Pulisic (for Havertz 85) – N/A – A late sub.