Man City 2 - 1 Chelsea

21/03/2012

Man City 2 (0)-(0) 1 Chelsea

                                                   Aguero 78'              Cahill 60'

                                                   Nasri 85'

Hardly a result that is surprising for any team that goes to the Ethiad Stadium these days but gave City a far greater fight than I would have ever dreamed of a month ago. Di Matteo's 100% start in charge of Chelsea is over but it was never a match that was highlighted as a pivotal match. A lot more of the season was riding on that match for City than Chelsea and perhaps it was that desire that prevailed in the end.

Home influence

No doubt that the home fans had a massive effect on the referee in this match. Poor throughout the match giving very little Chelsea's way while allowing City to be overly physical while any touch from a Chelsea player resulted in a foul. Throughout the first half whenever Mata was on the ball and had played a pass, City players, most notably Yaya Toure continuously kicked out at his ankles and left studs in after the ball had gone. Going un punished from the referee it was actually Mata who received the first booking of the game for a fraction of what he had received through the entire first half. Granted their penalty was definitely a correct decision, the second half continued to have a similar take with multiple 50/50 decisions always going in City's favour including corners, throw-ins and late challenges. No City player received a booking in the match other than Nasri for his celebration.

Where the match was lost

The midfield. As soon as I saw the midfield that he had chosen the start with I knew that we were going to struggle. My thoughts were confirmed as Lampard and Meireles were completely useless in the entirety of the match. Mikel proved to be the most influential man in the line often winning the ball and offering a lot more strength compared to his two team mates. Struggling in the first half, they were completely dominated in the second as Mancini cleverly took of the increasingly useless Balotelli and brought on another midfielder which then caused Chelsea to be more defensive and after the opener, to have a far too deep defensive line which ultimately lead to our downfall.

Goals

One goal for both teams were extremely fortunate. The opener from Chelsea was a fortunate deflection from an un-cleared corner which was struck from Gary Cahill to score his second Chelsea goal in 2 games. The deflection completely wrong footed Hart who was called to make a instant change of direction which proved too much. The City equaliser was just as fortunate, this time a shot hitting Essien undoubtedly and unfortunately in the arm from absolute point blank range. Had his arms been at his side he may have had a case but with his arms in the air and blocking the goal, the referee had no choice. The final, winning goal was a result of a too deep defensive line. Continuous pressure without a break in intensity which we relied on Drogba for. Unable to win fouls or hold possession, the ball returned time and time again without the defence able to regather and re-position. Perhaps had Terry been fit then the line would have stayed stronger, but a simple give and go between Nasari and Tevez on the edge of the area was enough to be instantly 1 on 1 with the keeper - and easy chance from close range. 

What really pissed me off

I was happy with the determination and fighting spirit that we had displayed through the match and this result won't un-do the recovery that we have undertaken in recent week. Anything that was gained from this match would have been a freak bonus. The most infuriating thing was that after winning, City played CHELSEA's victory song 'one step beyond' by The Madness - a classic Skar song which has been a favourite at Chelsea for many years. It is symptomatic of City to steal it as they have not come up with anything original in their entire history. Couldn't name a single City chant other than Blue Moon. The 'City Poznan' another stolen show which didn't originate at all in City. Hearing madness played at City is a clear and blatant copy especially against the team that associate with it and played it after the Chelsea victory at Stamford Bridge earlier this season. If you beat Liverpool you wouldn't start playing 'you'll never walk alone' or if you beat United you don't play 'Glory, Glory Man United' - in the same way, when you beat Chelsea you don't play Madness, that's our thing so piss off.

Player Ratings

Cech - 6/10

Had a lot more asked of him today compared to what he has had to do in recent weeks. I was a bit disappointed with a couple of flaps on crosses and when Nasri hit the bar early on. He had already given up and was completely unprepared for the ricochet off the bar as he got a pathetic finger on the ball resulting in further pressure. 

Ivanovic - 6/10

Been the rock at the back for Chelsea recently but back at right back, didn't look promicing out there against the pace from early on. Perhaps never fully fit for the match thanks to a great deal of game time for the player over the last fortnight and got subbed early on in the match.

Cahill - 8/10 M.O.M

Hard to pick a man of the match when you lose but Cahill was the most solid defender who I am really looking forward to partnering either Terry or Ivanovic full time. Don't think Luiz and him partner well. In the end got the Chelsea goal and gave us hope for a surprise 3 points. Not involved in the penalty and not able to prevent the second without giving away another penalty.

Luiz - 7/10

Had a couple of rushes of blood to the head storming out of defence and losing possession but in general seams to have calmed it down recently and continued today. Not our best CB by any means.

Cole - 7/10

The experienced left back had a comfortable game and kept track of runners well resulting in City not choosing to attack down the right due to Cole's dominance there. Didn't contribute going forwards however, this seams to be the way Cole tends to play now. 

Mikel - 7/10

The most influential midfielder of the three and was the only one of the three to be up for a physical battle. Once again having to slip in to cover Luiz a couple of times and swept well in front of the back 4 especially on counters making City stop and slow allowing other players to get back.

Lampard - 6/10 
Slow and distant. Struggled to keep the tempo throughout the match with sloppy passes becoming suicidal at times as he have Balotelli a free chance in the first half.

Meireles - 5/10

Even worse than Lampard in both positioning and passing. So, so sloppy in his passing gifting possession all the time by either passing into trouble, off the pitch or directly at a City player. Greatly disappointed

Ramires - 7/10

Provided Chelsea with the engine that he so normally produces. Ran throughout the match but would really like to see him return to the centre of the midfield.

Mata - 6/10

Kicked and bullied out of contention. Going to become an increasing practice in the premier league and needs to learn to rise above it and play with his feet. Having said that, could have vastly benefited from some protection from the referee.

Torres - 7/10

Although I thought he shouldn't play in this match, he followed up his two goal display with a confident performance full of energy and running. Replaced by Drogba in the second half but won far more balls and made far more tackles than Drogba who was completely un-influential when he came on. Perhaps Drogba needs to start to be in pace of the game and have his impact?