As a City fan, it is easy to say “Oh Pep done did it again. Let’s not go with a natural CDM for the second time in 60 games this season and see how that works out.” While that sentiment can be valid, that takes away from the game that was seen by trillions across the world. From right before kick-off, I had friends sending me the line-up asking my opinion on it. Of course my optimism dramatically decreased, as did for most City fans. Sterling has been as useful as a wet newspaper all season. We’ve always had Fernandinho or Rodri playing (granted Rodri has had a shit run of form leading up to this). And Cancelo, one of the most improved players we’ve had, was noticeably absent.
The semi-strange starting line-up is still no excuse for the outcome we witnessed. The first half was excellent for any neutrals, while I understand most fans were cheering for an impossible loss for both teams. Overall the first half was even. Both teams controlling their tactics while waiting for the other to make a mistake. As a life long Ibrahimovic fan, it comes with the territory to appreciate everything Thiago Silva has done for both Milan and PSG. The day he went as a free transfer for Chelsea, I felt a sadness I hadn’t had since Ibra went to United. His injury was the last thing you want to see during a Champions League match. The injury problems of old had disappeared this season, and his leadership roll showed for a less experienced back line. Just as it seemed Chelsea was going to be on the backfoot, our lack of CDM showed for a goal just a few minutes later. I know I am biased but try to view the game in a way of a neutral opinion, but it is hard not to feel like having Fernandinho in there could’ve prevented that through ball leading to the goal.
Half time comes and any City fan would not be happy. So far the overthinking of Pep has showed the exact results all of us feared. Even with the loss of their pilot fish in Silva, Chelsea still showed no signs of breaking. The only thing we could do is pray to Satan and hope the footy gods wouldn’t let us down.
The next half starts with no changes. City fans continue to dread if any will be made, where obviously it becomes more clear something needs to as the clock ticks up. Even with all the pressure, City still cannot show a dangerous force. Tuchel has done well to protect their goal. Despite City seeing this 2 times in a couple of month, somehow we still have not adjusted. All hope became lost when KDB got his eye socket shouldered so far down his skull he probably shit it out shortly after the match. Life happens and you have to expect the worse. Watching him go off was disheartening, but our depth should’ve meant we could overcome this. The half continued fairly equal for the most part. Captain America came on a missed a goal he usually scores. Our team kept getting close, but not close enough. In Pep fashion, we waited way too late to make aggressive changes. My fear was that by the time he did, it was too late.
With 20 minutes left, City was pounding at the door why Chelsea was happy to sit back and remove any chance we had. So many times City was close to an opportunity, only to be intercepted or tackled before a decent shot could come off. I imagine neutrals were having a great time watching our entire team in Chelsea’s half, while Ederson was blasting balls into our forwards. One after another, we got in great chances and missed everything. When Mahrez almost put that right footed strike in, my heart stopped for a second. Unfortunately we all got to see that go over and prevent a tied up ball game.
Overall, it is hard to complain about the result. Sure Pep tried his classic overthinking process going against a team we have played multiple times. Sure he waited way too long to make appropriate subs to change the game. However, in the end, the better coached team won.