By the end of 2016-17 it might be agreed that this was one of the most frustrating seasons in Manchester City history. It has become pointless to reiterate how the same failed game patterns, transparent foibles and alarming leakages have brought us to this point. So often have the exact same things happened, it has become quite a straitening experience.

Positives

Yet again, City looked capable in a fast-moving first half of getting a result at Stamford Bridge. David Silva played high up in the No. 10 position and caused the Chelsea defence serious problems. The predictable introduction of Nemanja Matic at half-time, though, put an abrupt end to that and, suddenly, all of the previously available space had gone.

Negatives

61 percent possession. 17 shots to Chelsea's 10, seven on target to the home side's four. Nine corners; Chelsea had two. Yet the final score was Chelsea 2-1 Manchester City.

Manager rating out of 10

7 -- Pep Guardiola's bold line-up brought a bold first-half performance but, ultimately, all he secured was a first double loss in one season to the same manager. Guardiola also hit an all-time high six defeats in a single campaign.

Player ratings (1-10, 10 = best, players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)

GK Willy Caballero, 6 -- With relatively little to do, he still found himself at the centre of the story. First Vincent Kompany got a light touch to Eden Hazard's shot and it drifted past the wrong-footed goalkeeper for the opener. Then he got down to save Hazard's penalty, only for the rebound to fall perfectly for the midfielder to score from the rebound.

DF Jesus Navas, 5 -- Was he playing right-back or right wing? Most of the time he appeared to be dithering between the two positions, having wasted another attacking opportunity with one of his little turns or misplaced passes, leaving the rest of the defence isolated and exposed. Navas was still attempting futile pirouettes on the halfway line in the 87th minute.

DF Gael Clichy, 6 -- Started with a trademark loose ball across his defence and was booked for a tackle on Pedro that was so late he might have started to make it while still playing for Arsenal. Proved more effective and more energetic in the second period and forced himself forward, but with little eventual effect.

DF John Stones, 6 -- Had his most of his meaningful action at the opposite end, where his headers proved ineffectual and a last-minute chance to equalise was scooped desperately and hopelessly over the bar with the goal beckoning.

DF Vincent Kompany, 7 -- Started energetically and did not appear to be hampered by three years' of injury troubles. Solid in the tackle and enterprising with both feet coming forward, he enjoyed a robust tussle with Diego Costa; one sweeping tackle was particularly memorable. Kompany was booked for another great tackle on Hazard, which referee Mike Dean deemed illegal.

MF Fernandinho, 5 -- An unusually ineffective showing. His performance made worse by giving away the penalty with a truly forgettable bit of defending on Pedro.

MF David Silva, 8 -- He had a superb first half, in which he was the provider of all of City's most penetrative passes. When alosed down by the massive hulk of Matic in the second period, Silva gradually became the victim of a Chelsea campaign to take turns to foul him.

MF Kevin De Bruyne, 6 -- Yet another match littered with misplaced passes and poorly chosen runs.

MF Fabian Delph, 7 -- Despite little space to play he did remarkably well, considering how few chances he has had this season. Kept plugging away alongside the misfiring Fernandinho.

MF Leroy Sane, 6 -- City's danger man went through on Thibaut Courtois at one point but was beaten to the ball by the goalkeeper. The trademark flicks and tricks that have brought him so far this season did not have the desired effect on this occasion.

FW Sergio Aguero, 7 -- Slow to get his first shot away and unable to connect properly with two others that followed, he was nevertheless in the right place to knock in the rebound after Courtois pushed Silva's shot into his path. Aguero has scored an amazing 27 goals in all competitions but, despite that, most will deem this an off-key season for him.

Substitutes

MF Raheem Sterling, NR -- Came on for the visibly tired De Bruyne after 78 minutes but made no visible difference.

MF Nolito, NR -- Arrived in place of Sane with six minutes and immediately played the pass of the match to find Aguero at the back post. But yet another chance went begging.

Source:
courtesy of ESPNFC

by SIMON CURTIS

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