Maybe he defeated Pep Guardiola in 2020, but Thomas Tuchel has lost his ’mojo’ against the Spaniard. Chelsea’s coach is now 0-2 against the Spaniard in the new season, and this defeat, after 1-0 at Stamford Bridge will be almost impossible to catch. 13 points it’s just too much against this strong team: Manchester City – Chelsea 1-0. Current Champions League winners haven’t shown much in this match, certainly not enough to even earn a draw, yet alone to win against such a good side. Tuchel wanted to be strong defensively and went for the draw, hoping that he will score from a counter attack or a corner, but this is not City from the Champions League final. There was no Kai Havertz in this match, Werner came in late, and their most creative player, Mason Mount was introduced 10 minutes from stoppage time.On the other side, City played like they usually do, they kept possession and their individual quality was enough. They are so good, that they could afford another mediocre performance from Grealish and a weak showing from Silva, and still earn a win. To be fair, even De Bruyne was not a standout before the 50th minute, but the former Chelsea player still has a point to prove against his own club. The Belgian got the winner (and probably the title) after a wonderful solo effort and raised his tally to 5 goals against the Blues.5 – Kevin De Bruyne has now scored five goals against former club Chelsea in the Premier League; the most by a player against the Blues after having previously played for them in the competition. Tormentor. pic.twitter.com/c8tFLNSQ8u— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) January 15, 2022 From Chelsea’s formation, it was obvious that Thomas Tuchel was not planning to attack City from the first minute. The stakes were just too high for the German to risk an unwanted goal at the end of the match, but even he didn’t expect one big zero at the end of the first 45 minutes. The Blues were totally outplayed and only their individual qualities and a brilliant save from Kepa were the reason while that part of the match finished 0-0. Chelsea simply didn’t have any shots in the first half, on the target, off the target, blocked shots…nothing. Their only chance came in the 10th minute, but it was Lukaku who made a wrong pass at the wrong time and Ziyech was caught offside.0 – Chelsea failed to attempt a shot in the first half at the Etihad; the first time they’ve failed to do so in a Premier League game under Thomas Tuchel, and first time overall since May 2018 v Newcastle. Sheltered. pic.twitter.com/lBBLcUcmF0— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) January 15, 2022 Chelsea’s good defensive showing meant that City had the initiative, but not so many chances either. In the 14th minute Stones tried with his head, but the ball was too weak and Kepa got it with ease. Sterling was the most active player on the field and had some good runs, good shots, and a couple of penalty claims. The best chance came in the 40th minute when De Bruyne took the ball away from Kovacic and passed it to Grealish, who took a shot but Kepa saved it with his thigh.
Chelsea finally tried something at the beginning of the second half, but City’s Ederson was also good against Lukaku, and soon City took over and had two chances which announced the leading goal. And it was De Bruyne, totally invisible before that, who first had a great free kick in the 52nd minute (Kepa saved) and then scored the winner in the 70th minute, after a wonderful solo effort. The Belgian took the ball 30 meters from Chelsea’s goal, shrugged of Kante, and then stroke a bomb from 20 meters for a goal and a probable Premier League title. Mason Mount came in only in the 80th minute, but it was too late as Chelsea had to be much more aggressive and attacking-minded during the match. Tuchel didn’t want to gamble in this match but he lost anyway. Unless City starts to lose matches, Liverpool is now the only serious rival to Guardiola and his men.PREMIER LEAGUE – Round 22FridayBrighton – Crystal Palace 1-1 (0-0)/Andersen 87 og – Gallagher 69/SaturdayMan.City- Chelsea 1-0 (0-0)/De Bruyne 70/18.00: (3.05) Burnley (3.25) Leicester (2.55)18.00: (2.30) Wolverhampton (3.15) Southampton (3.60)18.00: (3.80) Norwich (3.50) Everton (2.10)18.00: (2.15) Newcastle (3.50) Watford (3.60)20.30: (3.20) Aston Villa (3.35) Man.Utd. (2.40)Sunday17.00: (1.70) West Ham (3.90) Leeds (5.50)17.00: (1.33) Liverpool (5.40) Brentford (11.0)19.30: (2.60) Tottenham (3.25) Arsenal (2.95)***odds are subject to change