Source: SNAPPA
13 things we learned from the draw at Stamford Bridge
Chelsea and Manchester City drew 1-1 at Stamford Bridge this evening, in a game that didn’t give anybody what they were hoping for.
Billed as a title decider, it took far too long to spark into action. What we saw for the majority of the game was good defending, which is satisfying in its own way.
In the end it was a tired Chelsea taking on a Man City who put in a good performance, even if they did lack the bit of quality that could’ve got them a winner.
(Mike Egerton/PA)
Here’s what we learned.
1. Loic Remy will do it for Chelsea if given the chance.
Beautiful football, what a cross from Hazard #CFCvsMCFC
— Joe (@Joedesouza93) January 31, 2015
When the first goal came, after a dull opening 40 minutes, it looked so simple. A ball from Branislav Ivanovic to Eden Hazard in the box, who crossed it to Loic Remy first time resulting in a tap-in for the Frenchman with the suspended Diego Costa looking on.
2. Jesus Navas is always on the pitch, but we can’t remember a single thing he’s done this season.
Still unsure why Jesus Navas is first on the team sheet every week. #CFCvsMCFC
— Jonny Emmerson (@Jonnnylad) January 31, 2015
Or last season, come to think of it.
3. Man City almost won a match without Yaya, something they’ve so far failed to do this season.
City have still not won a league game without Yaya Toure in the team since last April (D4, L1). #Missing
— Deji Faremi (@deejayfaremi) January 31, 2015
4. Thibaut Courtois is capable of making a mistake.
#courtois didn't looked good there http://t.co/VRkHDhe0Yk
— Ruud Gullit (@GullitR) January 31, 2015
Hear that? That's the sound of every British journalist's head exploding as darling Courtois makes a mistake! pic.twitter.com/ZXYztr9bwg
— Messi Minutes (@MessiMinutes) January 31, 2015
5. Bacary Sagna still exists. He was chosen to start ahead of Pablo Zabaleta – we’re not saying it was because of this, but it was probably because of this.
6. Ramires is definitely no Cesc Fabregas.
Cesc FÃ bregas: Has completed more through balls on his own (13) than 11 of the 20 Premier League teams have in total this season #cfc
— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) January 31, 2015
No, definitely not.
7. Aguero IS capable of missing the target – in fact he did it twice. Luckily for him, David Silva was there to poke it on target the second time for Man City’s equaliser.
Tiredness came into that massively, but our defending in the 2nd half was impressive. Was Aguero in that 2nd half though? We kept him quiet.
— Pete (@BullyBoyPete) January 31, 2015
8. Vincent Kompany still isn’t looking as sharp as we’re used to seeing him.
Kompany seems to make a mistake everygame #CFCvsMCFC
— Michael Graver (@CaptainMarvel80) January 31, 2015
9. But his defence still only allowed Chelsea three shots.
3 – Chelsea only had three shots in total today; the lowest figure they have recorded in a single PL game since 2003/04. Shackled.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) January 31, 2015
10. Chelsea fans hold a lot of hope for Kurt Zouma – especially after the last couple of months Gary Cahill has had – and he seems to be delivering.
Man of the match? If you consider his age, his direct opponent, that it was only his 2nd start in PL and his performance, it has to be Zouma
— Julien Laurens (@LaurensJulien) January 31, 2015
Zouma MOTM for me. Kept Aguero pretty quiet looks composed and didn’t panic in possession. Bright future.
— Chelsea Stats (@ChelseaStats) January 31, 2015
11. Despite a sign made by one fan, Frank Lampard’s reception on his return to Stamford Bridge was warm. They still have a lot of love for their top goalscorer.
Only player left on the pitch is Frank Lampard, taking warm applause from the vast majority of Chelsea fans.
— Phil McNulty (@philmcnulty) January 31, 2015
12. Nemanja Matic proved again that he is one of the best – if not the best – holding midfielders in the division.
Nemanja Matic has now won 59 tackles in the Premier League this season, more than any other player. pic.twitter.com/253xHR8qGl
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) January 31, 2015
13. And despite all the free flowing football we’ve seen from his side this season, Jose Mourinho will still park the bus when necessary.
Terrible match. I hate when Mourinho decides to kill a spectacle but the draw won't hurt Chelsea.!
— Left Foot (@messileftfoot) January 31, 2015