The phrase ’for the first time’ is not something which is usually used in the same sentence with such a world class coach as Pep Guardiola, but today, it has to be said that the Spaniard has defeated Thomas Tuchel for the first time since he took over Chelsea. After three straight defeats against the German (FA Cup, Premier League and Champions League final), the City boss managed to secure a clean and deserved victory in London: Chelsea – Manchester City 0-1. After so many games against rival teams in which Tuchel opted to play ultra defensively, the German was finally punished for his lack of attacking football as City scored once and had four more chances to secure the game, while the Blues failed to make a single shot on goal. Sad. 221 – Pep Guardiola registered his 221st victory in all competitions as Manchester City manager; a new club-record for most wins by a manager, moving ahead of Les McDowall (220 wins). Generational. pic.twitter.com/BHiMPYNB77— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) September 25, 2021 Both coaches made changes for the upcoming game, four players each. Edouard Mendy replaced Kepa in goal, Reece James came into defense instead of Thiago Silva (but got injured in the first half and was replaced by the Brazilian), the injured Mason Mount was left on the bench for N’Golo Kante, and Timo Werner started up front ahead of Kai Havertz. Man City also made four changes, with Aymeric Laporte taking Nathan Ake’s centre-back place, Rodri replacing Fernandinho and Kevin De Bruyne back for Ilkay Gundogan in midfield, while Phil Foden started ahead of Raheem Sterling. First half was not action packed, as Chelsea, although a host in this game, preferred (again) to sit back and wait for the counter attack so City took the initiative, but Tuchel’s men were defending well and the first 45 minutes ended without a single shot on target for both teams. Sad. Only half-chances worth mentioning were De Bruyne’s shot from distance and Jesus’ miss inside the penalty area.
City continued to attack in the second half, and since they were more brave, they had a bit of luck, when Gabriel Jesus took a shot, but the ball was deflected just a bit of Jorginho, just enough to change direction and fool Mendy for the lead. And that is when Tuchel had to make a tough decision – to finally try to attack the opponent. And as soon as the Blues moved towards the City goal, problems arose at the back. First Grealish and then Jesus had marvelous chances, but Mendy and then Silva (off the line) saved Chelsea. Guardiola looked at despair when Laporte and Grealish missed two more great chances for the guests, as he knew that such misses could come back to haunt them in the end. But, luckily for the Spaniard, that scenario was not seen at Stamford Bridge today, because, the first rule in football is that if you want to score, you have to shoot and Chelsea have not done that today. PREMIER LEAGUE – ROUND 6SaturdayChelsea – Man.City 0-1 (0-0)/Jesus 53/Man.Utd. – Aston Villa 0-1 (0-0)/House 88/17.00: (2.35) Watford (3.30) Newcastle (3.35)17.00: (3.10) Leeds (3.50) West Ham (2.40)17.00: (1.70) Everton (3.80) Norwich (5.70)17.00: (1.65) Leicester (3.80) Burnley (6.25)19.30: (7.50) Brentford (4.40) Liverpool (1.50)Sunday16.00: (2.75) Southampton (3.10) Wolverhampton (2.95)18.30: (2.45) Arsenal (3.30) Tottenham (3.15)