Fernandinho was the only positive, as runaway Premier League leaders Manchester City suffered a shock 2-1 defeat to Leeds United on Saturday.
Pep Guardiola made wholesale changes to his starting lineup, with the focus clearly being on the UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg against Borussia Dortmund next week. Despite the heavy shuffles, though, Manchester City were on top, although Leeds United let them do so, as they sat back and absorbed the pressure.
This meant that chances came few and far between, as the visitors looked to unleash themselves on the counter-attack. Such an outlook came to fruition in the form of the deadlock-breaking goal, as Stuart Dallas scored at the end of a move that involved Helder Costa and Patrick Bamford. Leeds, though, were reduced to ten men heading into half-time as captain Liam Cooper was sent off for a poor challenge on Gabriel Jesus.
The numerical advantage had its invariable impact, as Manchester City piled on the pressure post the interval. However, it was not until the 76th minute that the hosts finally managed to find the back of the net, as Ferran Torres scored from inside the Leeds box after being teed up by Bernardo Silva.
However, just as it started to look like City would go on to grab all three points again, Leeds shocked them again, with Dallas on the scoresheet to complete his brace. That would prove to be the final strike in the game, as Manchester City fell to a 2-1 defeat. The Hard Tackle now runs the rule over Guardiola’s charges.
Ederson Moraes: 6/10
There was not a lot that Ederson had to do in the game. After all, Leeds scored from their only two shots in the entire game, meaning the Brazilian goalkeeper did not have a save to make. However, he did make a fine last-ditch tackle to deny Raphinha.
Joao Cancelo: 5/10
Installed in his preferred right-back slot, Cancelo produced a stinker against Leeds United, and he was overrun with ease at times. Made a critical error before Leeds opened the scoring and did not carry any sort of threat going into the final third. A bizarre performance.
John Stones: 6/10
Stones was one of the players who were at fault in defeat for Manchester City, but he was also a big reason why the hosts kept pushing forward with purpose to initiate wave after wave of attacks. Won 7 of the 8 duels he contested while completing 95 percent of his attempted passes. Solid for the most part, but should have done better in critical moments.
Nathan Ake: 6/10
Back in the starting lineup after a long time, Ake did not look too rusty, although there were one or two nervy moments. Did well to cover up for Benjamin Mendy and won 5 duels over the course of the game before being taken off ahead of the hour mark for Ilkay Gundogan.
Benjamin Mendy: 5/10
After an impressive performance last time out, Mendy was back to being his inconsistent best this weekend. The Frenchman did get into dangerous areas on a couple of occasions, but his end product was nowhere to be seen. His passes were risk-free while he was also hugely suspect against Raphinha on his flank. Time could be running out for him at Manchester City.
Bernardo Silva: 6/10
Silva did set up Ferran Torres with a deft pass, but other than that, the Portuguese midfielder flitted in an out of the game quite regularly. Hardly misplaced a pass, but often did not utilise possession smartly. Off the ball, though, Silva put in the hard yards, as he does usually.
Fernandinho: 7/10
Fernandinho today: pic.twitter.com/y4J1bviV8m
— Morris (@KDBseason) April 10, 2021
The clear standout for Manchester City. Considering he was deployed at the base of the three-man midfield, Fernandinho was extremely creative, playing a joint-game-high 5 key passes. In fact, on another day, he could have had an assist or two to show for his efforts as well. Does not look like he is 35 years old.
Oleksandr Zinchenko: 6/10
A surprise starter in midfield, Zinchenko showed some promising moments and delivered a number of dangerous looking passes. In fact, no other player managed more key passes (5) in the game, and the Ukrainian international proved that he has potential to burn in the position, though his positioning in the defensive phase was quite suspect, which pulls his rating back.
Ferran Torres: 6/10
Torres did get the goal that put Chelsea back in the contest, producing a fine run before calmly finding the back of the net. Otherwise, though, the Spaniard left a lot to be desired, often even going anonymous in the final third, as illustrated by the fact that he managed to attempt just 24 passes.
Gabriel Jesus: 5/10
Yet another game riddled with hits and misses for Jesus, who did get into some good areas and was efficient in recycling possession. However, the Brazilian failed in his primary duties as a striker and just did not manage to put Illan Meslier under any sort of pressure. No wonder Manchester City are in the market for a striker.
Raheem Sterling: 5/10
A wasteful performance by Sterling, who just could not manage to place his shots on target, despite aiming a plethora of efforts on goal. The best of the lot saw him being set up by Fernandinho, but his shot was abysmal. Did not progress the ball forward at a quick tempo either. Has to do better.
One to forget. pic.twitter.com/GZgjSmGQIY
— Raheem Sterling (@sterling7) April 10, 2021
SUBSTITUTES
Ilkay Gundogan: 6/10
On for Ake, Gundogan was typically purposeful in his display, but he could not manage to make a telling difference in the final third. Did complete nearly each of his attempted passes, though.
Phil Foden: N/A
On for Mendy, Foden did not make enough impact in the final 15 minutes.
