Manchester City impose reality scenario for an apathetic Chelsea

Chelsea put in two awful performances against Manchester City and will surely close the season without winning any titles

Last Sunday represented another nightmare for Chelsea fans this season. In a clash against Manchester City, valid for the 3rd round of the FA Cup, the Blues had another sad performance on the field.

For this FA Cup clash, Graham Potter opted for six changes from the last defeat against the Citzens in the Premier League. Humphreys made his debut at right-back, while Chalobah and Hall emerged in defence alongside Koulibaly.

Finally, Mount and Jorginho were deployed in midfield, with Gallagher coming into the forward line alongside Havertz and Ziyech. At the other end, Pep Guardiola also altered his starting line-up well with seven changes.

Ortega replaced Ederson in the starting goalkeeper position. Akanji, Laporte and Gomez acted alongside Walker in the back four. Palmer earned a chance in midfield, while Alvarez and Mahrez played in the final third.

From the start of the match, Chelsea made clear their strategy of handing possession to Manchester City and operating defensively, compactly, in their own half.

In the first 20 minutes, the Blues’ mission turned out to be quite productive as Manchester City had not been able to move the ball with the routine speed and intensity.

However, in the 23rd minute, Manchester City unlocked the score with a spectacular goal from Mahrez’s free-kick from long distance, hitting the left angle of goalkeeper Kepa, offering no chance of defence.

This goal brought an inevitable symbolism for Chelsea within the match: the imposition of the reality scenario for Graham Potter’s side this season.

From the goal conceded, Chelsea players clearly lost emotional control on the pitch. In the 29th minute, Kai Havertz punched the ball inside the penalty area and the intervention of VAR contributed to the marking of an inevitable penalty. Laporte hit it into the right corner and beat the goalkeeper.

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Totally dominated inside the field, the Blues still conceded the third goal, the most beautiful of all, by collective construction. Rodri released Mahrez with space until Walker arrived, who sent Foden on his way to a low cross into the penalty area.

Chelsea finished the first half without a shot in 45 minutes. While focused defensively, the Blues neutralised the Citzens. However, when they needed to show a positive response, they failed to react.

Chelsea fans miss Thomas Tuchel

With the sacking of Thomas Tuchel early in the season, Chelsea showed a lack of understanding of the squad and especially a lack of conviction regarding their choice of manager for the 2022/23 season.

Manchester City’s one-sided approach paid off as their tactical and technical superiority was undermined by an apathetic Chelsea side, who were totally dominant in midfield throughout the first half.

For the rest of the season, Chelsea need to focus on getting their nine injured players back and make some timely signings in the transfer market in the coming weeks. But the main current problem at the Blues is the players’ lack of confidence in the club’s project for the current season.

With the eliminations in EFL Cup and FA Cup against Manchester City, Chelsea will end the season without titles this season. In this case, the fans need to focus on at least hoping for a qualification to the next UEFA Europa League, as even participation in the Champions League 2023/24 seems very unlikely.