PLAYER RATINGS
KASPER SCHMEICHEL: SUch was City’s dominance, Schmeichel had a surprisingly quiet evening. His positioning ensured the saves he did have to make were routine, while he even managed to pull off one sweeper keeper header 40 yards from his own goal. 8/10
TIMOTHY CASTAGNE: His best performance since returning from injury. Defensively, he timed his tackles excellently, to limit the impact of the tricky Pulisic, while some of his dribbles and passes down the line were exceptional.
9/10
WESLEY FOFANA: What a response. After a rash performance at the weekend, the centre-back was outstanding against Chelsea, timing his interventions to perfection and carrying the ball forward with confidence. There were some excellent blocks and clearances in there too. Practically flawless. 9/10
JONNY EVANS: His game was summed up by a sublime sliding challenge on a fleet-footed Werner late on. He may be an old-timer up against fresher stars, but his know-how means he normally always wins his battles. Kept Abraham very quiet too. 9/10
JAMES JUSTIN: Like Castagne, he knew when to jockey, and then when to put a foot in. His energy was, again, outstanding, while his link-up with Barnes was the best it’s been. Another terrific display, but did miss a very good chance. 9/10
WILFRED NDIDI: Finally kept a shot down and was rewarded with his first goal of the season, but that was just the cherry on the cake of a dominant midfield display, Kovacic, Havertz and Mount all nullified by the Nigerian’s presence. 9/10
YOURI TIELEMANS: Played the right passes at the right time once again, alternating between long balls wide and neat, flicked offloads in the middle of the park. Nearly got on the scoresheet after a gut-busting run too.
MARC ALBRIGHTON: He may be five years older than the titlewinning season, but he is arguably in better form right now. Guided a brilliant ball over the top for the second goal, and should have had another for Justin in the second half.
9/10 9/10
JAMES MADDISON: Outshone England colleague Mount with some terrific footwork throughout, as well as some laser-guided passes from deep. Showed his awareness and clinical finishing to score for the third game running.
9/10
HARVEY BARNES: His interplay with Justin was delightful to watch, and his dribbling put Chelsea on the back foot, particularly in the first half. There was not quite the end product of recent weeks, but still a lot to admire. 8/10
JAMIE VARDY: That’s now five games without a goal, but he played his part, the highlight being a pinpoint pass to set up a Tielemans chance. His touch and passing were not always spot on, but he put himself about. 7/10
SUBSTITUTES
RICARDO PEREIRA: A pleasing run-out for the Portuguese on the wing, his first at home in 10 months, with a few glimpses of the talent that he possesses and that will be valuable for the rest of the season. 7/10
AYOZE PEREZ: Got involved and showed some nice touches, keeping the ball in Chelsea’s half to restrict their opportunities to attack. 710
KELECHI IHEANACHO: Only on the pitch for a few moments. N/A