Chelsea gave Manchester City their first defeat in the Premier League on Week 16 which was played at Stamford Bridge on Saturday (8/12). The Blues won 2-0 thanks to goals from N’Golo Kante and David Luiz. For the first time, Maurizio Sarri successfully defeated Pep Guardiola in his coaching career in competitive matches.
At three previous meetings, when coach for Napoli or when leading Chelsea, Sarri did not even win against Pep Guardiola’s team. When training Napoli, Sarri swallowed two consecutive defeats from Guardiola’s Man City in the Champions League last season. Napoli lost 1-2 in Manchester and were beaten 2-4 in Naples. Sarri’s suffering continues when dealing with Chelsea in pre-season matches. The Blues under the control of the Italian manager were forced to kneel 0-2 by City in the Community Shield event. Sarri’s curse finally ended when Chelsea hosted City at Stamford Bridge. The strategy of quick and deadly counterattack Chelsea successfully stung the Citizens.
Despite being a guest team, Man City is actually capable of playing attractive and dominating possession. However, the host appeared disciplined and often spread serious threats through the counter-attack scheme.
Leroy Sane almost broke the deadlock in the 32nd minute. Acceleration into the penalty box managed to trick Cesar Azpilicueta before facing one on one with Kepa. But, Sane’s shot could still be blocked by Kepa.
A minute later, Sane again spread threats. Sterling’s cross from the right side was followed by Sane’s hard shot, but it could still be blocked by the Chelsea defense who appeared disciplined. Instead of scoring, the City goalkeeper conceded at the end of the first half. The back line of Pep Guardiola’s squad was punished by the Blues’ deadly counter-attack.
Hazard’s move from the left side managed to steal the attention before he released a lure pass that was successfully struck by N’Golo Kante who emerged from behind. Score 1-0 for Chelsea’s superiority.
In the second half, Man City continued to dominate the attack which forced Chelsea to play waiting and launch a counter-attack patiently which was several times dangerous. London’s public Blue cheered again after David Luiz doubled the hosts’ lead in the 78th minute. The Brazilian defender succeeded in heading the ball from the corner of Hazard’s cross which could not be intercepted by Ederson.
City tried to catch up, but all their efforts did not produce results until the fight was over. Pep Guardiola’s squad must go home empty-handed from Stamford Bridge.
These results make City failed to take over the top of the standings from Liverpool who bagged a point advantage. Man City had to settle for second place but within seven points of Chelsea, who deserved third place.
