Chelsea’s fake No.9 plan helps knock Champs off top spot

Chelsea knocked Man City off top spot and ended their long league unbeaten run after gambling on playing Eden Hazard as a ‘false nine’.

The Belgian attacker was without a goal in 11 matches for club and country and Blues boss Maurizio Sarri said his deployment in the role was designed to help foster “faster football”.

And while Chelsea lost out in the possession stats in their changed shape they were on top on the one that really mattered at the end as goals from N’Golo Kante and David Luiz made it 2- 0.

Brazil defender Luiz said his side’s game plan had been perfectly executed.

He said: “It was a great game against the best team in Europe or even the world at the moment.

“They have great players but we had a lot of humility and tried to take our chances so we did our plan well.”

City went into the match unbeaten in 21 league games while Chelsea were coming off the back of defeats to Spurs and Wolves.

Pep Guardiola’s side were ful l of conf idence and pressed from the start as they dominated possession and hemmed the home side in their own hal f. City

But Chelsea then struck on the counter-attack and as they swarmed around the box Hazard slid the ball through for the onrushing Kante to blast home right on half time.

Guardiola tried to make his side’s possession pay as he sent on Gabriel Jesus for Sane early in the second half.

However, Chelsea stood f irm and stunned the Champions by doubling their lead in 78 minutes.

Hazard’s inswinging corner was met by Luiz, who rose highest to send a looping header into the far corner to seal the win.

City boss Guardiola said: “In the first half we were exceptional. In general, we were fantastic. We created chances. They had one in 44 minutes and we conceded, sometimes that happens.

“At this level they only need a half a chance to score. That was the reality.”