Clueless Chelsea have lost pace in the Premier League, for sure. Today’s Wolverhampton tie ended in a goalless draw (0-0) and made it blatantly clear that the crisis is far from over for the Blues.They were the EPL’s most dominant side for most of October and November, but the last few weeks have been a whole different story. The loss to West Ham, followed by the UCL draw against Zenit – embellished with as many as six conceded goals – were the signs of deterioration still troubling Thomas Tuchel.Chelsea vs Wolves highlights pic.twitter.com/Ek5svtcDua— Raf (@CFC_Raf) December 19, 2021 The Wolves were a much better side in the first half, scoring an early opener voided for a controversial offside. The excitement was palpable near the half-time break as Alonso and Rudiger fell asleep in their own area, which saw Dendoncker shockingly unmarked just a few yards away from Mendy. Thankfully for the Blues, his header was awful and made Senegalese custodian’s job a lot easier.The injury list comprised of Lukaku, Werner, Havertz and Hudson-Odoi proved to be too serious imperfection for the visitors, who struggled to create a sole chance for the entire 45 minutes. A sterile offence also found it difficult to improve their game after the break.Tuchel’s side faces a severe decline in form and is desperate for an immediate reset. The attacking axis Pulisic – Ziyech – Mount is nowhere near desired shape, and the entire team’s confidence has reached a new low.##EDITORS_CHOICE##Unlike their title contenders, The Citizens exploited all the flaws of the Toons, breaking the deadlock only four minutes into the game. Rodri managed to get a hold of De Bruyne’s long forward pass, chipping the ball to the area. Newcastle’s keeper Dubravka and defender Clark were both willing to leave the ball to each other, which resulted in a dreadful outcome for the Geordies – unmarked Ruben Dias had all the time in the world to step in and place the header into the back of the net.Ruben Dias goal ⚽Joao Cancelo with a great cross that Kieran Clark and Martin Dubraka fail to clear and Dias heads home 💪NEWCASTLE UNITED 0-1 MANCHESTER CITY #NEWMCIpic.twitter.com/QbwQ9YGsra— BirdieFootball (@birdiefootball) December 19, 2021 If there were any glimpses of drama and uncertainty still left, they were brushed away near the half-an-hour mark. Another tedious build-up provided Cancelo with a satisfying position to strike and double the lead.Despite being two goals down, the hosts fought back and demanded a penalty after Ederson accidentally trumped Newcastle’s Fraser. The ref, however, seemed unimpressed, and the game resumed with 2-0 on a scoreboard.Optical illusion makes Ryan Fraser looks like a toddler pic.twitter.com/Fkl7GZRsTD— Daniel Storey (@danielstorey85) December 19, 2021 It could have easily been 3-0 early in the second half, but Dubravka paid off his earlier debts with an incredible save of Jesus’ header.Still, effortless City found it easy to impose their game and surpass Eddie Howe’s pressing. After one such action, Zichenko’s lovely pass landed straight on Mahrez’s left foot, and the game was killed 30 minutes before the clock.#PremierLeagueRiyad Mahrez 🇩🇿 @Mahrez22 has been in fine form this season and slots in his 50th career @ManCity goal off the volley against Newcastle 🎯 pic.twitter.com/OGVXnKd1KL— ArabBallers (@Arab_Ballers) December 19, 2021 10 – Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has lost all 10 of his Premier League games against Manchester City – the worst 100% losing record any manager has against a specific opponent in the competition’s history. Ominous. pic.twitter.com/9yVGYlLLAo— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) December 19, 2021 Sterling put the cherry on top, with City’s fourth goal of the game a few minutes near the final whistle. On the left flank, Jesus comfortably ran past Murphy and launched an exquisite assist to Sterling on a far post, who nailed it for 4-0.PREMIER LEAGUE – ROUND 18Saturday Aston Villa – Burnley POSTPONEDManchester United – Brighton & Hove Albion POSTPONEDSouthampton – Brentford POSTPONEDWatford – Crystal Palace POSTPONEDWest Ham United – Norwich City POSTPONEDLeeds United – Arsenal 1-4 (0-3)/Raphinha 75 pen – Martinelli 16, 28, Saka 42, Smith Rowe 84/SundayEverton – Leicester City POSTPONEDNewcastle United – Manchester City 0-4 (0-2)/Ruben Dias 5, Cancelo 27, Mahrez 64, Sterling 87/Wolverhampton – Chelsea 0-0 19:30 Tottenham – Liverpool***odds are subject to change
