Manchester City defeated Chelsea 2-1 on Saturday in an enthralling Premier League match that was ultimately decided by City’s midfield quality. While Jorginho failed to exert his influence for 74 minutes on the pitch, City showcased its style with commanding displays from Kevin De Bruyne, Rodrigo and deputizing center back Fernandinho.
Charged with shutting down one of the Premier League’s hottest strikers — Tammy Abraham entered the match with 10 goals and two assists in 11 games — it’s difficult to explain just how good the 34-year-old Brazilian is at reading the game.
According to WhoScored, Fernandinho was successful in 100 percent of his tackles, made six clearances and completed a team best 78 passes. A little further forward, Rodrigo completed 44 of 45 passes — in the fast and frantic environment of the Premier League, that’s just absurd.
But it was Chelsea who opened the scoring in the 21st minute after Mateo Kovacic released N’Golo Kante for his third goal of the season. The Frenchman’s first touch and instinctive finish was world-class.
N'GOLO THE LITTLE LEGEND pic.twitter.com/T1pGnDDsCw
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) November 23, 2019
However, just minutes later, City equalized from a move that was started and finished by De Bruyne. The Belgian absolutely diced Jorginho before his finish.
City are level!
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) November 23, 2019
Less than 10 minutes after the equalizer, City grabbed a second courtesy of Riyad Mahrez. The Algerian diced Kovacic and Emerson on his way to goal.
MAHREZ'S LEFT FOOT pic.twitter.com/pKcXlgEiAW
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) November 23, 2019
In the end, it was a disappointing performance from Chelsea’s front three of Abraham, Pulisic and Willian. Pulisic went the full 90 but failed to register a shot.
City rises to third in the table while Chelsea drops to fourth.
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