Chelsea returned to winning ways in style, as they ended Manchester City’s unbeaten start to the Premier League season by notching up a 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
The Premier League champions dominated the proceedings for the most part, even coming close to breaking the deadlock on a couple of occasions. But, Chelsea, playing on the counter, went on to score against the run of play, with Eden Hazard setting up N’Golo Kante, whose thumping shot rattled into the net.
The second half saw Sarri’s men remain disciplined and deny Manchester City an inch. And, after producing another counter-attacking move, Chelsea went on to double their advantage from the resulting corner, as David Luiz headed in from Hazard’s corner.
The Blues subsequently held on for a popular win, with Sarri getting the better of Pep Guardiola for the first time. And, the manager was rightly lauded for a tactical job well done.
This will be a big result for Sarri in terms of instilling belief in his players and retaining confidence in his methods
— Matt Law (@Matt_Law_DT) December 8, 2018
You big fat liar.https://t.co/yEwX68j6CG
— AS English (@English_AS) December 8, 2018
It will be very difficult for any team to end Man. City's unbeaten run this season.
Sarri: pic.twitter.com/jhH0ns75v5
— Wale Adetona (@iSlimfit) December 8, 2018
Where's the Sarri out brigade now?
— Aaron Briggs (@Aaron_Briggs1) December 8, 2018
EPL Teams: Manchester City is unbeaten
Sarri: Hold my cigarette#CHEMCI pic.twitter.com/ZkPFD3Mn8O— IOR (@call_me_sog) December 8, 2018
One big difference between Conte and Sarri's defense was the zone of defense. Conte's defense had all players in his final third, crowding the box and not giving any spaces. While Sarri's defense started with his front line, solid 5-man midfield, defending near the halfway line pic.twitter.com/6DnOPIU2TY
— Nouman (@nomifooty) December 8, 2018
David Luiz put in a massive shift and scored the goal that rounded off the win, and the Brazilian was in for some praise from the Chelsea fans.
LUIZ!!!
Credit again, the guy has been immense today. He always has heart, always!
— Alex Goldberg (@AlexGoldberg_) December 8, 2018
He's had his critics as Luiz but he seems to do it in the big games. Delighted for him ???? #CHEMCI pic.twitter.com/osG8myCoTS
— Tom Clifford (@tomcliffordcfc) December 8, 2018
David Luiz in #CHEMCI:
1 goal
66 touches
43/49 (88%) passes
6/9 long balls
7 clearances
6 recoveries
2 tackles
9/11 duels won
5 aerials wonOften error-prone, but not today. Strong defending, accurate long passes to help beat City's press, and great header for #CFC's 2nd goal. pic.twitter.com/sddSkR5soV
— Joga Bonito USA (@Jasoninho10) December 8, 2018
Credit where it’s due David Luiz was fantastic today. pic.twitter.com/2zKtasqO99
— Steven French (@SteveFrenchCFC) December 8, 2018
Eden Hazard had his struggles in the false nine role. But, the Belgian delivered when it mattered, setting up both the goals that Chelsea scored.
Eden Hazard vs the top six:
Liverpool – 6 goals and 2 assists
Man Utd – 5 goals and 5 assists
Tottenham – 5 goals and 3 assists
Arsenal – 5 goals and 3 assists
Man City – 4 goals and 6 assistsClass act. pic.twitter.com/IPwByzr0jL
— bet365 (@bet365) December 8, 2018
Eden Hazard in 2018:
vs Arsenal: ⚽️⚽️?️
vs Liverpool: ⚽️⚽️
vs Man United: ⚽️?️
vs Man City ?️?️Big game player. Put some respect on his name. pic.twitter.com/JkzwXwLir7
— Mod (@CFCMod_) December 8, 2018
Hazard now has 7 goals & 7 assists in the PL so far.
Yeah, he’s not the problem…
— Alex Goldberg (@AlexGoldberg_) December 8, 2018
Hazard was fantastic today. By far better hold up play than Morata. I would say this experiment worked.
— Alex Goldberg (@AlexGoldberg_) December 8, 2018
Joint most assist-top 5 leagues. Hazard for you. Matter of time @TheBeardedRauI pic.twitter.com/lDxF8cfTyp
— JJ (@k_kelvine) December 8, 2018
Meanwhile, Cesar Azpilicueta produced a colossal performance in defence, completing a staggering 13 tackles on the night. And, the Chelsea captain was hailed by the fans.
Azpi choose the biggest game of the season to drop his best performance. Elite ??
— Wᴏʟᴇ́ (@Kingwole) December 8, 2018
Azpi has been phenomenal. Absolute master class performance @azpiIicuxta
— иσвσ∂у υи¢ℓє (@CesarTheGreat5) December 8, 2018
Azpi is my man of the match. Man showed why he is a true captain. Respect @CesarAzpi ?
— Dipo_Tee (@dipo_T) December 8, 2018
Azpi will always be my hero pic.twitter.com/Ht05DAD9wO
— Denzel Lessey (@dennoboss) December 8, 2018