Manchester City – Chelsea: City Frustrated Against Compact Chelsea (1-1)

Manchester City dominated possession and territory throughout the game, but it was Chelsea who struck first as they were rewarded for good counter-attacking play by going in front. They faced an attacking onslaught from City who threw everything at them with a wing-focused attack, and eventually equalized courtesy of Rodri.
Tactical analysis and match report by Josh Manley.

Manchester City came into this game following their Champions League Round of Sixteen win over FC København in midweek. Their attention now turned to the title race, as they remain in close pursuit of Liverpool with a game in hand. Chelsea meanwhile recovered from a poor start to the month to win away at Aston Villa in the FA Cup and against Crystal Palace in the league.

Pep Guardiola’s side started in a 4-3-3 system here, with a back four of Kyle Walker, Manuel Akanji, Rúben Dias, and Nathan Aké. Rodri was the deepest midfielder, with Kevin De Bruyne and Julián Álvarez ahead of him. Phil Foden, Erling Haaland, and Jérémy Doku made up the front line.

Meanwhile Mauricio Pochettino’s side were in their usual 4-2-3-1 shape, with Malo Gusto, Axel Disasi, Levi Colwill, and Ben Chilwell in the back four. Moisés Caicedo and Enzo Fernández were the double-pivot, with Conor Gallagher at number ten. Cole Palmer and Raheem Sterling played wide, with Nicolas Jackson up front.

Chelsea attack with speed
Most of Chelsea’s attacking plan in this game revolved around . . .