Jase

I doubt that would be the case and a lot of these players didn't even play under Conte, Mourinho etc. I'd put it down to Lampard being streetwise for a game against City. Even Sarri, the ever purist, adapted his approach for 2 of the 3 games against City last season. The one he tried to take them heads on, we got torn apart.

We don't have always to go on the offence in every game and we're not at that level yet to do that yet. If anything, I'm happy that we can be streetwise and play two different approaches if we need to. That's the Chelsea I love from our best years. Attack and dominate the opposition if we can. If not, sit back, defend well and play on the counter. We still showed the intention to go win the game, and not just sit back and play for the point like what Conte did two seasons ago.

City had tons of the ball, as you would expect a Pep Guardiola side to do, but created zilch. Barring that near disaster pass from Kepa, they didn't even threaten our goal and they scored a worldie from a free kick. The only complaint I would have is we sat them off a bit too much but at least we still kept our shape well and maintained a good discipline. The setup was very similar, if not the same, as what Sarri did in the home game against City last season.

Easy for me to say on hindsight I guess but thought people were going somewhat OTT with the reactions. I mean, even the usual calm and composed @Tomo was moaning more than usual!

LOOK WHO SHOWED UP!!!

So all those concerns, moans and groans from the first 30 minutes or so turned out to be senseless then.

I guess..?

That central striker position is still up in the air...

There you go... P.S. Also the kind of goal Werner will score next season

Ironically, City actually haven't created anything at all, except that near disaster from Kepa earlier. I suppose we're doing well to restrict them in that regard, so far...

Okay, playing Kante in front of the back 4 is really screwing up our ability to play out from the back...

Uh oh...

@Tomo Confident or not confident?

Guardiola didn't even rotate...

Pulisic and Barkley start. Kovacic and Loftus-Cheek out of the XI.

Death. Taxes. Journalists writing a Kevin De Bruyne-Chelsea story before every Chelsea v Man City/Man City v Chelsea match.

They are just quoting Bild and I believe Bild is generally reliable.

If Willian goes, then I can see the argument of needing another one. But if he stays, then no.

Am sure you are not the only one who hates Liverpool here but at this point, who really cares about them and the title? They will win it sooner or later. If we help them win the title, whatever. We need the points for ourselves!

Is @Tomo confident for this? If he is, then we might have shot...