FA Community Shield: 3 key takeaways from Manchester City vs Chelsea

The recently concluded FA Community Shield provided a glimpse of what lies in store for the upcoming season. With Manchester City looking set to dominate, another rebuilding season at Chelsea awaits.

Here are the three key takeaways from the match:

#3 Jorginho struggles

It is safe to say that Jorginho is the marquee signing of the transfer window for Chelsea. The Italian midfielder, whose arrival was insisted upon by Sarri, was brought to familiarize the Blues with Sarri’s style of play.

Jorginho has looked good in pre-season. His familiarity with Sarri’s methods and his style of play make it easier to fulfill the deep playmaker role. He is a clever player, with quick feet. He has the ability to set the tempo of a game, while also looking to play the killer pass to release one of the front three.

Surprisingly, Jorginho had a poor game against Manchester City. He struggled to create any rhythm with Ross Barkley and Cesc Fabregas. As the deepest player in the 3-man midfield, he was often isolated and had a hard time trying to track the movements of Fernandinho and Bernardo Silva.

Jorginho’s off day did not end there. His passing radar was all over the place and he misplaced passes throughout the game. He found it difficult to get a foothold in the game and it was reflected in the overall pattern as Manchester City looked a cut above their rivals.

It is not entirely fair to blame the former Napoli man for the team's struggles. Barkley and Fabregas ventured too far forward when chasing the ball and left Jorginho isolated as a result. While N’golo Kante will make things easier with his arrival, as he is expected to slot ahead of Fabregas, Chelsea still need to find an effective solution for the left of the 3 man midfield.

Barkley looked decent when on the ball, though his passing in the final 3rd left much to be desired. His work off the ball is the real concern, as he was stranded too far up the field every time Chelsea lost possession and had a nightmare trying to track the Manchester City midfield.

#2 Midfield conundrum persists

N’golo Kante

It has been clear ever since Maurizio Sarri was appointed to be in charge at Chelsea, that he was going to employ a 3-man midfield. The arrival of Jorginho all but confirmed what everyone suspected.

One of the biggest issues plaguing Chelsea is the personnel to employ for the left of the 3-man midfield. It is safe to assume that Jorginho will start as the deepest of the trio, slotting between the defenders when in possession and dictating play.

N’golo Kante is widely expected to take up the spot occupied by Fabregas in the pre-season. The arrival of Kante will be a real boost for Sarri as he will solidify the defense to a great extent and is also renowned for his ball-winning ability in the opposition half. It is a role that could bring the best out of Kante.

With two spots out of three already confirmed, it remains to be seen who plays to the left of Jorginho. Tiemoue Bakayoko does not look like a good fit for Chelsea. His lack of confidence and error-prone passing has dropped him way below in the pecking order. That leaves Ross Barkley, Cesc Fabregas and Ruben Loftus-Cheek to compete for one spot.

Cesc Fabregas possesses the quality to unlock any defense but lacks the athleticism to track back when not in possession. He can still do a job for the team but should not be an automatic starter.

Based on the pre-season, Sarri has favoured Barkley for the role. Barkley excels in making forward runs and has the ability to make the killer pass as well. Against Manchester City though, his shortcomings when tracking back, were left exposed. He repeatedly lost possession when he ventured too far forward and left team completely vulnerable to the counter as Manchester City navigated around Chelsea’s initial press far too easily.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek is the final alternative to play the role. The fact that he was on leave after his exertions at the World Cup, means that at least for now, Barkley will hold on to his starting spot, but Loftus-Cheek will be tough competition for him.

Loftus-Cheek has the pace, is technically sound, but more importantly, is far better at tracking the opposition in transition than Barkley. Whether it is Barkley or Loftus-Cheek, Sarri has a real task at hand.

#1 Manchester City look primed to dominate

Pep Guardiola

For all the eyes fixated on figuring out Sarri’s tactics, it is worth noting just how easy a game this was for Manchester City.

Pep Guardiola’s men were a cut above the London outfit. Their passing was crisp and accurate, solid in defense and ruthless with their finishing. It is difficult to see any team, except Liverpool, challenging them for the title.

With Chelsea and Arsenal going through managerial changes, Tottenham refusing to make new signings and Jose Mourinho about to start his 3rd season tantrums, the race to win the Premier League has effectively become a two-horse race.

Manchester City, with the depth and experience in their squad, look primed to dominate this era in English football.