N’Golo Kanté and Raheem Sterling both looked out of position, Maurizio Sarri is fascinating to watch and Pep Guardiola’s men will maintain their inner beliefHaving had their attitude and mentality questioned by Maurizio Sarri following the defeat to Wolves, this was a response from his side. There was no denying Chelsea’s collective commitment in the face of Manchester City’s relentless waves of attacks during the first half, while after the interval the hosts showed a desire to not only retain their lead but build on it, which they did thanks to David Luiz’s header on 78 minutes. The past few weeks have been difficult for Chelsea but they have been revitalised under Sarri and here provided their most notable performance,...
French midfielder grew into the game helping to vindicate Maurizio Sarri’s decision to play him in right-sided roleHow do you solve a problem like N’Golo? On the evidence of a bruising, thrilling night at Stamford Bridge, Maurizio Sarri’s attempts to transform the best covering midfielder in the world into a withdrawn right-sider may or may not succeed. But it won’t be for want of manically committed effort from the man himself, who provided a lesson in making a plan work, even when that plan seems to push you to the fringes.For the opening 44 minutes of this 2-0 Chelsea win Manchester City had eased around like a swarm of blue-shirted princelings, scything through what was once Kanté country. Just past...
Liverpool are also unbeaten but the champions’ march on another Premier League title continues to be relentlessThere was something in Pep Guardiola’s face that looked like acceptance, maybe even a small amount of happiness, when he pondered the pocket of pressure Manchester City were briefly under at the end of their midweek win at Watford. For ages the game felt like a mild breeze, until a late goal for Watford produced a mini storm. Perhaps (admittedly it might be overthinking this here) Guardiola even welcomed it as a timely lesson for his players. “Never can you forget to play,” he stressed in a pointed manner that suggested that message was delivered more forcefully in the dressing room. In a way...
Chelsea are fragile before meeting Manchester City, Manchester United at home to the bottom club no longer looks a walkover and will it be same old for Saints despite a new manager?It is far too early for any “I’m Sarri I haven’t a clue” headlines but the past few weeks have given a more accurate impression of the job Chelsea’s manager faces. Their defeat by Wolves was sloppy, particularly given they looked comfortable at 1-0 up, and with an evisceration by Spurs still fresh in the memory Sarri is presented with his first real bump in the road. The odds on things improving this Saturday, when Manchester City visit Stamford Bridge, are unpromising but Sarri has always been aware this...
The Merseyside and north London derbies did not disappoint whilst Wolves might need to change tactics and personnel Related: Spurs face FA inquiry after fan throws banana skin at Arsenal’s Aubameyang Related: The Dozen: the weekend’s best Premier League photos Related: European round-up: PSG drop points for first time in Bordeaux draw Related: Manchester City’s Georgia Stanway inflicts first WSL defeat on Arsenal Continue reading...