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There were a lot of factors that led to Manchester City’s second loss of the Premier League season. City supporters will regret what could have been when Kevin De Bruyne pulled a “Fernando Torres” and missed when missing was harder than scoring. The officiating will be a significant talking point going into the week. There were several poor calls for both sides, though City might have found themselves more hard done.
The sad thing is: Man City actually played pretty well most of the game. Apart from a defensively weak couple of minutes in the middle of the second half, the hosts were the better side for most of the contest. That is what is most likely to make Sky Blue supporters ill in the morning. Some might also see the parallels to last season when City consistently struggled to beat top of the table teams.
Below are our player ratings for this disgrace of a match, that we’ll all hopefully forget in the near future.
P.S. I began writing the above paragraphs before the end of the game and watched the end scuffles unfold while writing. I only have three words to describe what happened: What a joke.
Claudio Bravo: 5.5
Was absolutely at fault for the Willian goal which forced City into some pressing changes they clearly weren't comfortable with. His play out of the back might be good, but his shot-stopping leaves something to be desired.
Nicolas Otamendi: 7.0
This number isn't higher because Nico was muscled off the ball for Chelsea’s first goal, but other than that the Argentine was wonderful, especially in the first half.
John Stones: 7.0
Despite one bad giveaway, Stones played very well in this game. Regualry dueling with Diego Costa, Stone came out on top and wasn't the defender at fault for any goal in the end.
Aleksandar Kolarov: 6.5
No one is going to chastise the Serbian defender for lacking pace, you know what you’re getting with Kolarov, but the defender could still be better positionally.
Fernandinho: 7.0
The red card was ridiculous. Fernandinho played an excellent game for 90 minutes, but like the rest of his team, he just feel asleep enough for Chelsea to find two goals and ultimately the winner.
Ilkay Gundogan: 6.5
When Ilkay Gundogan was subbed off I had almost forgot he was on the pitch to begin with. Despite one or two incisive runs into the box, the German rarely left his position alongside Fernandinho, having to play deeper than we’ve seen in the past. Not the most effective outing Gundogan has had.
Jesus Navas: 7.5
This was probably one of the Spaniard's better games this season. Some crosses were poor, but others were actually good. Got credited with an assist on the Gary Cahill own goal and should have had another in the second half.
Kevin De Bruyne: 7.5
That miss. Without the abhorrent officiating and handbags towards the end, the entire narrative of the game would be That De Bruyne Miss. The Belgian and City have to move on ASAP. Enough said.
David Silva: 7.0
Silva displayed some old school Silva skills in this game. Retaining possession and using body feints to avoid defenders, the Spaniard was very good but could have done a bit more in the final third.
Leroy Sané: 7.0
This was easily Sané’s best game in a City shirt. The young German was excellent using his pace and dribbling going forward and probably deserved a spot on scoresheet. City supporters should be eager to see what the future has in store for young Sané.
Sergio Agüero: 7.0
The red card was ridiculous. How this man was kept off the scoresheet was beyond me. Agüero played like a man possessed but was unable to find a breakthrough against the tough Chelsea defense.
Substitutes
Gaël Clichy: 5.5
The Frenchman continues to underwhelm in each appearance. Considering City’s upcoming suspensions, Clichy will have to step up soon.
Yaya Touré: 6.0
Not much time to make an impact for the Ivorian.
Kelechi Iheanacho: 6.0
Iheanacho was brought on late and couldn't really make an impact in the congested final third.