BY NISAR KHAN
MANCHESTER - Branislav Ivanovic scored the only goal of the game in the first half as Chelsea ended Manchester City's winning streak to go within two points of the top spot.
Kick-Off: Monday 3 February 2014 at 8pm (GMT)
Location: Etihad Stadium, Manchester
Score: Manchester City 0 - 1 Chelsea
Goalscorers: Ivanovic 32'
Branislav Ivanovic scored a stunning strike to the bottom left corner after half-an-hour of play, to give Chelsea the lead of which they would maintain throughout the game.
It was the first time since November 2010 where Manchester City failed to score in a home game.
First half
Manchester City got the proceedings underway, as the hosts began their quest to be at the top of the league after ninety minutes of football.
Jesus Navas came close to opening the scoring just moments in, as goalkeeper Petr Cech and Gary Cahill had poor communication, spelling early trouble for the visitors. Eventually, the Czech keeper would clear away, spelling the end to their panic, for now.
With a few minutes played, Manchester City were off to the better start by far, keeping control of the game and continuing to create some chances, with Alvaro Negredo almost continuing his scoring run but was unable to beat Cech from the tough angle.
Chelsea delivered a stern warning approximately ten minutes into the game. Manchester City's vulnerabilities on the counter were shown in full colors as Nastasic and Kompany almost set up Chelsea for the opener with their defensive errors. Martin Demicheilis, who was playing the unusual central-midfield position, had to intercept the ball in time to keep his side on level terms.
Yaya Toure missed the closest chance of the game to that point, as he failed to get on the end of a great cross from Aleksandar Kolarov with a golden chance gone begging - and was unable to finish what would have been an extraordinary team goal. Around five minutes later, David Silva's sidefooted shot just went wide. Despite missing the chances, the currently scoreless game was in the hosts' hands.
But it wasn't completely City's game. The net would bulge from Chelsea, only for Eto'o, who supplied Ramires for the disallowed goal was offside.
Chelsea had another chance, this time in the form of the free-kick. Much to the pleasure of Manchester City fans at that end, David Luiz skied it high and over, with Mourinho subtlety fuming on the touchline, as he stared at Luiz for quite a concerning period of time...
After twenty minutes of play, Manchester City were looking the better with 64% of possession, and five shots of target - with Chelsea much more quiet.
Yet again, Manchester City's counter-attack vulnerabilities were clear, as Nastasic found himself at the end of a four-on-one attack from Chelsea. Willian, who surged forward with the ball, slotted it to Ramires, whose shot was well-saved from Joe Hart, with the Brazillian Willian then missing wildly with a way-wood overhead kick attempt.
While Manchester City had the better start to the game, Chelsea were chomping at the bit and now found themselves in an even encounter, followed up by an even better predicament.
Branislav Ivanovic would score a delightful goal as he powered it into the bottom left corner past Joe Hart in the 32nd minute. An enthusiastic fanbase at the Etihad Stadium would drastically turn subdued, from the full-back's wonderful strike, out of the Blue. City failed to pick him up, and he capitalized on the rebound with a half-volley.
The remainder of the first half was very contrasting to the first ten minutes, with Chelsea all over Manchester City, and going into the interval with a one-goal lead.
Second half
Manchester City's defenders were already busy a few minutes into the second half, crowding the box to eradicate Chelsea's latest attack. Eden Hazard's attempted flick on off the rebound went to a Manchester City player, and the hosts were safely back in possession.
Yaya Toure was a significant part as City were in search for the equalizer. The Ivorian was working hard but saw his shot from Dzeko go wide.
Joe Hart was completely beaten by Nemanja Matic's long-range shot, but it didn't beat the woodwork, ferociously rattling the post as Chelsea were denied a goal to double their lead.
With time now ticking, Manuel Pelligrini was growing frustrated on the touchline, even more when Aleksandar Kolarov's free-kick left Chelsea unphased.
Manchester City were once again up against the ropes as Chelsea hit the woodwork for the third time in the game, with Gary Cahill beating Yaya Toure to head onto the post.
The action quickly sped up from then on in. Back and forth, Chelsea had a sting to them when they looked to score their second, while Manchester City also posed a threat in search for their equalizer.
David Silva executed a perfect free-kick, but Petr Cech made a remarkable save in one of only a few in the game, to maintain Chelsea's lead. Another chance came for the Spaniard a few moments later with his late run to the box followed by a shot was just wide.
Manchester City were growing desperate with time ticking down and they trailed by a goal. Although Chelsea defended well at the back, they wanted to extend their lead, waiting on the counter, and at times it almost went through had it not been for a late challenge.
Petr Cech would have to deny a stunning strike from Stevan Jovetic late on to deny the equalizer. Nestasic also mis-hit a volley late on going wide.
That would be it, Manchester City thwarted Manchester City to go back to the top, in a masterclass performance by Mourinho's men.
Comment & Analysis: "Chelsea contain City's attack and expose vulnerabilities" writes Nisar Khan
In the first forty-five minutes of action we really saw a contrast in both teams. Manchester City were looking their ordinary potent selves in the first ten minutes with an early onslaught in an attempt to take the lead. However, Chelsea would slowly hold their own, before their chances increased and then Ivanovic would take the lead, with the visitors controlling for the remainder of the half.
We also saw Manchester City's biggest weakness in the first half, looking vulnerable on the counter attack, especially when it was a four-on-one situation which saw Chelsea miss a huge chance to increase the lead.
One of the best performances of the season, Manchester City were completely restricted in the game.
And even when Chelsea were facing the wrath of Manchester City's attack, they faced it head on and were able to beat it.
City's vulnerabilities
- Counter Attack: Chelsea were always looking threatening when they exposed Man City on the counter attack at numerous times throughout the game. The hosts were putting too many men forward and they were exposed.
- Poor Marking: This would ultimately lead to the goal, as they failed to pick up Ivanovic for an open strike at goal.
Chelsea back in it
After the game, Chelsea got have been six points behind Man City, but now they are tied on points and get the double over them. Well deserved.
Chelsea are still in the title race with a big win that could pay dividends come the end of the season, as they take three points from Manchester City.
TheSportMatrix.com
Ivanovic strikes home for the decisive goal of the game. IMAGE COURTESY: PREMIERLEAGUE.com |
Kick-Off: Monday 3 February 2014 at 8pm (GMT)
Location: Etihad Stadium, Manchester
Score: Manchester City 0 - 1 Chelsea
Goalscorers: Ivanovic 32'
Branislav Ivanovic scored a stunning strike to the bottom left corner after half-an-hour of play, to give Chelsea the lead of which they would maintain throughout the game.
It was the first time since November 2010 where Manchester City failed to score in a home game.
First half
Manchester City got the proceedings underway, as the hosts began their quest to be at the top of the league after ninety minutes of football.
Jesus Navas came close to opening the scoring just moments in, as goalkeeper Petr Cech and Gary Cahill had poor communication, spelling early trouble for the visitors. Eventually, the Czech keeper would clear away, spelling the end to their panic, for now.
With a few minutes played, Manchester City were off to the better start by far, keeping control of the game and continuing to create some chances, with Alvaro Negredo almost continuing his scoring run but was unable to beat Cech from the tough angle.
Chelsea delivered a stern warning approximately ten minutes into the game. Manchester City's vulnerabilities on the counter were shown in full colors as Nastasic and Kompany almost set up Chelsea for the opener with their defensive errors. Martin Demicheilis, who was playing the unusual central-midfield position, had to intercept the ball in time to keep his side on level terms.
Yaya Toure missed the closest chance of the game to that point, as he failed to get on the end of a great cross from Aleksandar Kolarov with a golden chance gone begging - and was unable to finish what would have been an extraordinary team goal. Around five minutes later, David Silva's sidefooted shot just went wide. Despite missing the chances, the currently scoreless game was in the hosts' hands.
But it wasn't completely City's game. The net would bulge from Chelsea, only for Eto'o, who supplied Ramires for the disallowed goal was offside.
Chelsea had another chance, this time in the form of the free-kick. Much to the pleasure of Manchester City fans at that end, David Luiz skied it high and over, with Mourinho subtlety fuming on the touchline, as he stared at Luiz for quite a concerning period of time...
After twenty minutes of play, Manchester City were looking the better with 64% of possession, and five shots of target - with Chelsea much more quiet.
Yet again, Manchester City's counter-attack vulnerabilities were clear, as Nastasic found himself at the end of a four-on-one attack from Chelsea. Willian, who surged forward with the ball, slotted it to Ramires, whose shot was well-saved from Joe Hart, with the Brazillian Willian then missing wildly with a way-wood overhead kick attempt.
While Manchester City had the better start to the game, Chelsea were chomping at the bit and now found themselves in an even encounter, followed up by an even better predicament.
Branislav Ivanovic would score a delightful goal as he powered it into the bottom left corner past Joe Hart in the 32nd minute. An enthusiastic fanbase at the Etihad Stadium would drastically turn subdued, from the full-back's wonderful strike, out of the Blue. City failed to pick him up, and he capitalized on the rebound with a half-volley.
The remainder of the first half was very contrasting to the first ten minutes, with Chelsea all over Manchester City, and going into the interval with a one-goal lead.
Second half
Manchester City's defenders were already busy a few minutes into the second half, crowding the box to eradicate Chelsea's latest attack. Eden Hazard's attempted flick on off the rebound went to a Manchester City player, and the hosts were safely back in possession.
Yaya Toure was a significant part as City were in search for the equalizer. The Ivorian was working hard but saw his shot from Dzeko go wide.
Joe Hart was completely beaten by Nemanja Matic's long-range shot, but it didn't beat the woodwork, ferociously rattling the post as Chelsea were denied a goal to double their lead.
With time now ticking, Manuel Pelligrini was growing frustrated on the touchline, even more when Aleksandar Kolarov's free-kick left Chelsea unphased.
Manchester City were once again up against the ropes as Chelsea hit the woodwork for the third time in the game, with Gary Cahill beating Yaya Toure to head onto the post.
The action quickly sped up from then on in. Back and forth, Chelsea had a sting to them when they looked to score their second, while Manchester City also posed a threat in search for their equalizer.
David Silva executed a perfect free-kick, but Petr Cech made a remarkable save in one of only a few in the game, to maintain Chelsea's lead. Another chance came for the Spaniard a few moments later with his late run to the box followed by a shot was just wide.
Manchester City were growing desperate with time ticking down and they trailed by a goal. Although Chelsea defended well at the back, they wanted to extend their lead, waiting on the counter, and at times it almost went through had it not been for a late challenge.
Petr Cech would have to deny a stunning strike from Stevan Jovetic late on to deny the equalizer. Nestasic also mis-hit a volley late on going wide.
That would be it, Manchester City thwarted Manchester City to go back to the top, in a masterclass performance by Mourinho's men.
Comment & Analysis: "Chelsea contain City's attack and expose vulnerabilities" writes Nisar Khan
In the first forty-five minutes of action we really saw a contrast in both teams. Manchester City were looking their ordinary potent selves in the first ten minutes with an early onslaught in an attempt to take the lead. However, Chelsea would slowly hold their own, before their chances increased and then Ivanovic would take the lead, with the visitors controlling for the remainder of the half.
We also saw Manchester City's biggest weakness in the first half, looking vulnerable on the counter attack, especially when it was a four-on-one situation which saw Chelsea miss a huge chance to increase the lead.
One of the best performances of the season, Manchester City were completely restricted in the game.
And even when Chelsea were facing the wrath of Manchester City's attack, they faced it head on and were able to beat it.
City's vulnerabilities
- Counter Attack: Chelsea were always looking threatening when they exposed Man City on the counter attack at numerous times throughout the game. The hosts were putting too many men forward and they were exposed.
- Poor Marking: This would ultimately lead to the goal, as they failed to pick up Ivanovic for an open strike at goal.
Chelsea back in it
After the game, Chelsea got have been six points behind Man City, but now they are tied on points and get the double over them. Well deserved.
Chelsea are still in the title race with a big win that could pay dividends come the end of the season, as they take three points from Manchester City.
TheSportMatrix.com
- Sports for the Fans, by the Fans.
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