Five things we learned from Chelsea vs City

Chelsea defeated Manchester City last night to increase the pressure on third-placed Leicester. However, what did we learn from the game?

Five things we learned from Chelsea vs City
(Photo by Visionhaus via Getty Images)
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By James Evans

Frank Lampard's side put on a great performance last night to increase the gap between themselves and Manchester United and Wolves.

Goals from Christian Pulisic and Willian ensured all three points for the Blues in what was a must not lose game for Frank's team. The win will certainly give Chelsea a lot of confidence going into Sunday's FA Cup tie with Leicester City

Here are five things that Chelsea fans learnt from the match with Manchester City.

  • 1) The rise of Captain America:

Pulisic has really struggled this season. He's picked up a fair few injuries during his time with the Blues and has struggled to establish himself as a first-team regular.

However, since the return of the Premier League, we've seen a different Pulisic. Christian came on against Villa and made a real impact, scoring with what was his first touch of the ball. Last night, he was superb.

He rightfully deserved to start, and during the course of the game, he was causing havoc for City's defence. Christian was always looking to get in behind Fernandinho and City's full-backs. 

His goal came from a City mistake, but Chrisitan was very sharp to react and smell the pressure. 

The Covid-19 outbreak has been a blessing in disguise for Pulisic. He's become more fitter, sharper, stronger, and you can tell he's benefitted from the break.

  • 2) Mason Mount's phenomenal work rate:

Watching Mason Mount's work rate and effort yesterday was second to none. 

When the Blues were dispossessed and didn't have the ball, Mason was always the first to close down and put pressure on City. 

This season, Chelsea are used to playing offensively and with a lot of the ball. So when City came to town, it was always going to be an uphill struggle to play the way Chelsea usually play. 

Mason had to adapt in the game because Chelsea didn't have a lot ball. When Chelsea was on the attack, it was the same old Mason. However, when City was playing in their own half, Mason was driving forward, closing down City and not allowing them time on the ball at all. 

Therefore, based on that aspect, you've got to praise Mason for his dedication last night.

  • 3) Willian versus the "Top Six:"

The Brazilian has recently signed an extension that'll keep him at the club until the end of the season. 

Willian is like marmite for Chelsea fans, you either love him or you hate him. 

When Willian eventually leaves, he'll be remembered as a great servant to the club. Over the years, Chelsea fans have witnessed Willian score big goals in big games.

The two goals he scored away to Tottenham this season and his penalty last night against City to give Chelsea all three points. Getting the three points last night was a must with Manchester United and Wolves winning to mount the pressure on the Blues.

Willian's presence and energy were one in which impressed Chelsea fans in the second half of last night's game. The Brazilian may be leaving soon, therefore, you've got to respect what he's done for the club. 

  • 4) The Fullbacks:

Many Chelsea fans have been crying out for new full-backs and a new centre back.

With that being said, last night, Chelsea fans have got to be pleased with the way Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso played.

Alonso got booked midway through the first half after fouling Riyad Mahrez. It was a sloppy foul, but for the rest of the game, the Spaniard did alright.

It's always a scary sight when you see the likes of Bernardo Silva, Raheem Sterling and Mahrez running down the flanks causing havoc for the opposing full-backs but the Chelsea full-backs did a good job defensively, it must be said. 

Azpilicueta stepped up big time in yesterday's game. When Chelsea needed that edge and experience at the back, Cesar proved his work, and when he was called upon, he did the job. 

  • 5) The great Dane:

The last point to talk about in this piece is the performance of Andreas Christensen.

Personally, Chelsea needs to sign a centre back. However, with that being said, in recent times, Andreas has been one of Chelsea's better centre backs.

Last night the Danish international showed great composure and made very few mistakes. In what has been an inconsistent season, in terms of a defensive pairing, Andreas has stepped up recently and has made a real statement of intent. 

It's fair to say that he made very few mistakes against a side like City who have the likes of Sterling, Gabriel Jesus, Silva, Mahrez in their attacking ranks. It was important for Andreas to put in a good shift and he deserves the plaudits with his performance last night.