Chelsea v Manchester City player ratings

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Kevin De Bruyne scored the winner for Manchester City on his return to Stamford Bridge. Here’s how we rated each Blues player in their 1-0 defeat.

Thibaut Courtois: 8

Almost embarrassed when the ball bounced wide after Gabriel Jesus closed down his attempted clearance in the first half, but the keeper’s overall display was excellent. He produced a number of saves, including a superb stop to keep out Fernandinho’s header from De Bruyne’s corner shortly before half-time.

Antonio Rudiger: 7

Was caused some problems on the right-hand side but stuck to the task in a fully committed performance. Headed off the line late on to prevent a second City goal.

Andreas Christensen: 7

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Had a very tough task with City’s electrifying attack sweeping towards him but he showed his ability, both in terms of his defending and when bringing the ball out of defence.

Gary Cahill: 5

Has his critics – and this display is unlikely to silence them. Was well short of his best as he struggled to get to grips with City’s attacking threat. The suspended David Luiz was sorely missed.

Cesar Azpilicueta: 6

Did a solid job on the right-hand side and saw a first-half shot saved by keeper Ederson. Chelsea could probably have done with a better attacking option – and with Azpilicueta in the back three.

N’Golo Kante: 6

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Battled hard but was well short of his best. The opposition easily got the better of things in midfield, which very rarely happens on Kante’s watch.

Tiémoué Bakayoko: 6

Like Kante, Bakayoko competed fiercely and showed his quality, but the ease with which City were repeatedly able to move the ball through midfield told its own story.

Cesc Fabregas: 5

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Made little impact as City’s key players controlled the game. Fabregas was easily kept quiet. 

Marcos Alonso: 6

So often a fine attacking outlet on the left, Alonso spent much of the game having to defend as City successfully pinned him in his own half.

Eden Hazard: 7

Made a welcome return to the starting line-up and worked hard up front while leading the line after Alvaro Morata went off injured.

Alvaro Morata: 6

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Went close with a first-half header before going off injured 10 minutes before half-time. Chelsea most hope the problem is not too serious given the Spaniard’s form this season and how much he was missed.

Willian: 5

Full of running after coming on but was unable to make an impression going forward and didn’t manage to prevent City playing out from the back either. Michy Batshuayi and Pedro, who came on for the final 18 minutes, were also unable to make an impact.