Manchester City registered their first trophy of the season [The FA Community Shield] as they brushed aside Maurizio Sarri’s Chelsea side, comfortably emerging 2-0 winners. Below are 11 things learned from the game;
El Kun Aguero
Sergio Aguero, The History-Maker
Sergio Aguero’s 13th minute strike signifies a career milestone – his 200th goal in City colors from 299 games. In effect, he has become the first Manchester City player to score 200 goals. He netted his 201st goal and second of the game in the 57th minute.
He needs time. Doesn’t he?
Sarri-Ball Needs Time
The game was characterized by Chelsea cheaply giving away possession as well as being poor in closing down Manchester City’s players, enhancing the perception that Maurizio Sarri needs time in imbibing his playing philosophy and style into his players.
Hudson-Odoi was kept at bay by Kyle Walker
Bully Meets His Match
Chelsea’s pre-season games against Perth Glory, Inter Milan and Arsenal were characterized by Hudson-Odoi’s dazzling runs on the left hand side. Coming up against Kyle Walker, Hudson-Odoi seemed to exercise a bit more caution and apart from a brilliant run in the 33rd minute, the Chelsea youngster offered very little going forward.
City won comfortably
City, Comfortable
In the first half, Chelsea’s attacking trio of Morata, Pedro and Hudson-Odoi barely threatened City’s goal area. This was due to City’s remarkably quick transition into defense as well as the relative sharpness of their players as compared to Chelsea.
Sarri’s changes meant little
Sarri’s 58TH Minute Tactical Response
After going 2-0 down, Sarri had seen enough. He brought on the more mobile Drinkwater in place of Cesc Fabregas in order to seize the initiative in the midfield. Willian also came on for Hudson-Odoi in a bid to add a bit more creativity to Chelsea’s stagnating forward line.
Guardiola, a football gem
Guardiola Means Business
The hunger, intensity and determination with which City played meant only one thing – Guardiola’s hunger for trophies hasn’t dwindled.
Phil Foden impressed.
Phil Foden Sparkles
The standing ovation Foden received after being substituted in the 75th minute said it all. Foden was very impressive and performed remarkably well in ensuring City’s midfield dominance.
Barkley had a quiet game
Ross Barkley Goes Missing
A lot of eyes were on Ross Barkley, one touted for great things by the English Press and other football enthusiasts. He failed to raise the bar with his performance and was largely anonymous throughout the game.
Still struggling
Jerseys Don’t Play Football
Morata grabbed most headlines when in celebration of the birth of his twins, he changed his jersey number from 9 to 29. Many felt that it was a move to “run away” from Chelsea’s “cursed” number 9 jersey……Morata was again unimpressive as he failed to stamp any authority on the game. It is true that Chelsea’s midfielders offered very little in terms of support but the likes of Didier Drogba and Diego Costa proved to be “warriors” and could settle games on their own. Morata needs to toughen up.
City, Dominant!
In the end, City came up with 16 goal attempts as compared to Chelsea’s 6. 7 of those attempts were on goal as compared to Chelsea’s 2. Final Verdict; Manchester City deserved the victory.
Will City retain the EPL title season?
City To Retain The Premier League?
Since Sir Alex Ferguson’s successful Premier League title defense in 2009, no team has been able to defend the crown. After today’s dominant performance by Manchester City, most football fans will be wondering if Manchester City has what it takes to successfully defend their Premier League crown.
