Sunday 1 February 2015 17:19, UK
Matthew Stanger draws five conclusions from Chelsea's draw with Manchester City, which leaves the Blues with a five-point lead at the top...
Zouma impressive on big occasion
Although he started Tuesday’s Capital One Cup semi-final against Liverpool, Kurt Zouma was expected to return to the bench on Saturday with Gary Cahill reinstated alongside John Terry. It was therefore somewhat a surprise to see the 20-year-old retain his place at the heart of Chelsea’s defence as he made only his second start in the Premier League.
The youngster was thrown into the thick of things in the early stages and made a crucial sliding tackle on Sergio Aguero as the striker raced into the box. "It was a good challenge from the young defender,” said Sky Sports’ Gary Neville. “But the type of challenge that carries a risk with it against someone like Aguero.”
Fortunately for Chelsea, Zouma timed his intervention perfectly and maintained his composure throughout the 90 minutes. It was a backs-to-the-wall approach for the Blues at times, but Zouma held his own.
Fabregas’ absence harms Chelsea creativity
That Fabregas has made more assists so far in the Premier League (15) than any player managed in each of the last two full seasons underlines his importance to Chelsea, and it is no wonder they missed the playmaker on the Saturday.
With Ramires selected in the Spaniard’s place to partner Nemanja Matic, the Blues adopted a much more defensive shape, with the onus on Eden Hazard and Willian to create openings in the wide areas.
The duo were involved in the opening goal – Hazard providing what Gary Neville described as a “delicious, world-class” assist – but the second half brought one-way traffic into the hosts’ half. Had Fabregas been involved, the gap to Loic Remy would have been bridged, allowing Chelsea to create more chances of their own.
Remy impresses as stand-in
Remy may have been starved of service for much of the game – with Chelsea recording their lowest shots total (three) since 2003-04 – but when his opportunity came he made sure it counted.
It was not only Remy’s positioning and clinical touch that mattered, though, as he was also involved in starting the move that gave the Blues the advantage. Exchanging passes with Hazard on the left wing, the Frenchman burst forward to find Willian before taking his place in the centre.
Although lacking the physical presence of Diego Costa, Remy’s movement across the front third caused City problems before the break, with Gary Neville noting: "There has been good movement off the ball by Remy, but he's not been found by his teammates yet.”
Eventually the striker’s chance arrived, and he proved that he hasn’t lost any of his finishing ability despite having to play understudy to Costa for most of the campaign.
Toure absence crucial
Similar to Chelsea missing Fabregas and Costa, Yaya Toure’s Africa Cup of Nations commitments left a huge gap in Manchester City’s midfield, where Fernandinho partnered Fernando.
The former was the more attacking of the duo, but Manuel Pellegrini must have rued the loss of last season’s top scorer when the ball twice fell to Fernandinho around the edge of the box. Toure hit 20 goals in City’s title triumph and already has seven to his name in the current campaign; his finishing ability could have made the difference in a tight affair at Stamford Bridge.
The champions also lacked the 31-year-old’s physicality, with Nemanja Matic allowed to dominate the battle in the middle of the pitch. Toure’s power and driving runs would have occupied the Serb for the full 90 minutes, allowing space for David Silva and Sergio Aguero to cause more problems.
Zabaleta’s attacking threat could have been useful
While it was understandable that Pellegrini opted for the more defensive-minded Bacary Sagna at right-back, City missed Pablo Zabaleta’s roving runs as the game progressed. "He's only been a little bit below par, Zabaleta,” said Gary Neville during his commentary. “I am shocked to see him not playing today.”
It underlines Zabaleta’s contribution for the champions that he has provided more assists than Silva in the Premier League so far as well averaging significantly more tackles per game than any of his team-mates.
It was the Argentine’s attacking threat that was sorely missed on Saturday, with Sagna struggling to offer the same overlap for Jesus Navas. The former Arsenal defender managed just one cross against Chelsea compared to the four Zabaleta fired in against Arsenal two weeks ago.
Sky Sports subscribers can sign in to watch highlights of Chelsea v Man City
