Riyad Mahrez and Julian Alvarez score within five minutes of each other in the second half to lead City to a 2-0 win in the third round of the Carabao Cup.
After a period of sustained City pressure, the Citizens were awarded a freekick right outside of the Chelsea box and Mahrez curled it in. Not long after, Mahrez received the ball from a long switch and forced a save from Edouard Mendy. Alvarez was there for the rebound. 2-0. Game over.
The first half saw numerous chances from quick Chelsea breaks to multi-pass moves from City. Chelsea looked to play from the back and drop attackers deep to drive towards City’s high defensive line.
City forced multiple errors in the build-up for Chelsea, strung together long offensive moves, and were able to break with pace.
The best chance came in the 44th minute from Chelsea’s 18-year-old wingback Lewis Hall, who cut in on his right in the box and forced a strong save from Ortega.
After City’s two-goal lead, the London side were close to clawing back on a few occasions. Again, the best chance fell to Hall in the middle of the box, who drew another great save from Ortega.
The keeper continuously kept his side with the cushion all throughout the half. He ended the match with five saves and was awarded the EA Sports Man of the Match.
SEO Summaries
● City breeze past Chelsea and move on to the fourth round of the Carabao Cup
● Ortega wins Man of the Match after a couple of fine saves
● Chelsea’s form and goal struggles continue
Questions for the Managers
For Guardiola:
● Both Mahrez and Grealish were on goal droughts before this match. How pleased were you with both of their performances tonight?
● You are now 15 wins out of 15 at the Etihad. How much of an effect does the fans’ atmosphere have on you and the players?
For Potter:
● Graham, it was a fighting performance, but the goal struggles continue. What will you address before Newcastle away this weekend?
● Omari Richardson did not feature despite being asked to refrain from Jamaican international duties. Is there a chance we see him on the pitch Saturday?
● Is there any player who stands out for that elusive number 9 spot?
