Rent boys no shots on target, says it all really
...with zero shots during 1st half by the way...
This has to be the most embarrassing Chelsea performance in the Abramovich era -which, of course, is not reflected in the final scoreline...
Teams like Southampton have shown more ambition playing at the Etihad. We are talking about a top team, champions last season, we are also talking about a team entering the pitch with a very serious advantage in terms of energy (which, by the way, was the decisive factor, the energy levels I mean, in the City win at the SB, according to Conte and several Chelsea players...). Nevertheless Chelsea had already surrendered immediately after Bernardo's goal in 47'!!!
That was some experience: During the entire 2nd half City could have literally played the ball around the midfield area, with Gundo, David, Ota, Laporte, Oleks, Kyle, Kevin etc exchanging passes between them, playing pig (= Hazard) in the middle, like a training session. Conte's players would not dare to move forward, it was unfuckingbelievable, Chelsea had become Arsenal. I was watching the match at a cafe, I couldn't help myself screaming occasionally, like stay where you fucking are, do not risk a single pass forward, let them come to you first then move, and if they don't let them further embarrass themselves. Just stay where you are. Let it end 1-0, they'll take it. They would be more than happy to take it, they had already collapsed psychologically. But this City team is too generous. Conte himself never dared to take a gamble, even at 88': I mean I could not believe my eyes, it was Hazard who was subbed (following Willian and Pedro), ballances remained intact, the guy kept playing with 3 at the back till Oliver's final whistle...
The level of our professionalism, the level of our work-rate was outstanding. Amazing composure, concentration, teamwork, organisation. City enjoyed total control of the match (and 71% possession, dropped a bit in the final 15 minutes, the reasons are obvious). Under extremely complicated circumstances, with tough, demanding games coming every 3-4 fucking days. Congratulations to all the boys, congratulations to the manager, the architect of this structure, style and ethos, if only I could be in the dressing room to shake everybody's hand...