Ex Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic produced a stellar performance as Manchester City beat them 2-0 to start their campaign. The midfielder scored a sensational peach of a goal. In Rodri’s absence the Croatian ace had big shoes to fill. The manager put his faith in him and he did not let him down. The 30-year-old capped off a man of the match display with the goal that sealed City’s victory
Kovacic was completely flawless against his former club. He controlled the Man City midfield and created a chokehold on the Chelsea youngsters. The Croatian was comfortable on the ball, his passing was efficient and many times he produced key through passes which opened the Blues’ midfield. He did not let Pep Guardiola feel the absence of Rodri.
Even defensively the midfielder was brilliant. The Sky Blues controlled possession till halftime. However, Enzo Maresca’s side started to keep more possession since the second half began. Manchester City were pegged back to their own half. Kovacic was asked to zonal mark the Chelsea midfield which he did brilliantly. He won 60% of his ground duels and won 67% of his tackles. He also attempted the most shots in the game(2).
We will take a look at the player reviews from the much anticipated clash between the two giants.
Chelsea (H) Playing XI ratings: Goalkeeper and defenders
Robert Sanchez (6.5/10)
The Spaniard was one of the best performers for Chelsea yesterday. He made a brilliant save to deny Doku from range. He could have done better to save the second goal but overall his performance was admirable. The keeper was efficient in the buildup.
Malo Gusto (3/10)
The Frenchman produced a relatively poor display against the Citizens. The first goal came from his side. He also lost the most duels in the game and could not affect the game offensively.
Wesley Fofana (4/10)
The £75m defender could not mark Erling Haaland efficiently and gave the ball away cheaply for the second goal. Not a good performance for a player of his standards.
Levi Colwill ( 6/10)
The makeshift center back was crucial in Chelsea’s buildup. He had completed 98% of his passes successfully, and was also defensively solid.
Marc Cucurella (6.5/10)
The Euro winner is high on confidence and produced a decent outing. He won all of his tackles and won 71% of his duels. He could have done more during Erling Haaland’s first goal but otherwise he was solid.
Midfielders and Forwards:
Moises Caicedo (5/10)
The £115m midfielder could not cope up with the opposition midfielders defensively. He lost most of the duels. The manager will be hopeful he improves as the season progress forward.
Enzo Fernandez (4/10)
The Argentine donning the captains armband was deployed as a number 10. He failed to make any sort of impact. He created 0 chances and lost possession very often. However, he was finding key passes to his forwards.
Romeo Lavia (7/10)
The Belgian was a threat throughout the game, he was very energetic. One of the positives to take from this game.
Cole Palmer (6/10)
Chelsea’s best player from last season was relatively quiet against his former club. He created some chances but failed to make an overall impact.
Christopher Nkunku (6/10)
Chelsea fans were eager to see the winger in action. He was looking dangerous in the start but the flame diminished as the game progressed. It was rather a quiet evening for the Frenchman.
Nicolas Jackson (2/10)
The 22-year old’s performance is the reason Chelsea desperately need a striker. He looks to be still the same as last season. He has potential but is wasteful in front of goal. Could have scored one against Man City yesterday.
Pedro Neto (6.5/10)
Decent debut for the Portuguese. Created multiple chances and was a influence since he came on the pitch.
Marc Guiu (4/10)
The youngster did not get enough service and failed to get any such impact.
Renato Veiga (4/10)
Played only 10 minutes. Committed a foul and was defensively okay.
Kiernan Dewsbury Hall (4.5/10)
He was not afraid to take on the defenders but did not make such an impact in the limited time he got.
Manchester City (A) Playing XI ratings: Goalkeeper and Defenders
Ederson (6.5/10)
The Brazilian was efficient in the buildup and was comfortable in possession as usual. He made a crucial save to deny Chelsea a goal.
Manuel Akanji (7.5/10)
The Swiss international was able to handle the pressure and dealt with the aerial duels efficiently. He was comfortable in possession.
Ruben Dias (7/10)
The highly rated center back was shaky at the start but was brilliant in buildup. He completed 97% of his passes.
Josko Gvardiol (8/10)
The 22-year old did not let anything go through him and was a defensive wall for the Citizens. He won most of his aerial duels.
Midfielders and Forwards:
Mateo Kovacic (9/10) MOTM*
The Croatian ace was instrumental in Manchester City’s first win of the season. He was brilliant defensively winning 67% of his duels and attempted the most shots scoring a beauty! He is our player of the match.
Rico Lewis (8/10)
The teenage sensation was efficient in buildup and contributed defensively in the later half of the game. He looks too good for his age.
Bernardo Silva (7.5/10)
The Portuguese international put in a decent shift for Man City. The player was smart enough to hold the ball off before laying it off to Haaland resulting in a calm and composed finish. He was also showing intent defensively.
Kevin De Bruyne (7/10)
He had a quiet evening as per his high standards but was comfortable in possession and was key in the buildup. He will gain his match fitness as the season will progress.
Savinho (7.5/10)
The Brazilian sensation was simply sensational on his debut. He had the most successful dribbles and completed take ons. He was taken off at half time as a precaution. It’s looking like a great signing from Manchester City.
Jeremy Doku (7/10)
He was playing brilliantly when he switched to the left flank. Created chances and was not afraid to take on defenders. He can improve further.
Erling Haaland (8.5/10)
The golden boot winner announced himself in style in the new season. He shoved off Marc Cucurella and scored a brilliant goal and had the last laugh. The Norwegian is simply a must have for every Fantasy Premier league managers.
Phil Foden (4/10)
Had a quiet evening as per his standards. It is understandable as he is not match fit yet and has missed most of the preseason games.
Manchester City face Ipswich on Saturday, 24th August while Chelsea take on formidable Wolves on Sunday, 25th August.
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