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Maurizio Sarri's first competitive game for Chelsea didn't go as planned. Chelsea suffered a 2-0 loss at hands of last year's Premier League winners Manchester City.
Manchester City were dominant throughout the game. Sergio Aguero scored the first goal in the 13th minute from an assist by 18-year-old Phil Foden. Aguero even scored the second goal with an assist from Bernardo Silva.
City were clearly more ambitious as compared to Chelsea. Pep Guardiola's men won their 5th curtain raiser for the new season.
Here are 4 talking points from the game:
#1 Chelsea will need some time to settle under new manager Sarri
Sarri is an Italian manager who is often regarded as a master tactician. He was the manager of Napoli for three years and did wonders at the club. He helped Napoli finish second in Serie A last season, just four points behind the winners Juventus.
Sarri is a tactical manager who can improve Chelsea if given some time. He is a true believer in playing possessive and passing football.
Though Chelsea didn't score a goal, they were successful in playing a passing game. Chelsea had 47% possession but sometimes they lost possession quite easily.
Despite playing under a manager with a defensive mentality for the last two years, Chelsea players tried their very best to play as per Sarri's tactics. That attitude and adaptability could bear fruit later in the season.
#2 Chelsea lack a natural goalscorer
City played with an offensive mindset which certainly benefited them. Chelsea, however, had a number of chances but were not able to provide the finishing touches in the final third.
Alvaro Morata looked off-color throughout the game, just as he did last season. Pedro too didn't impress. Tammy Abraham, who was substituted for Morata in the 69th minute, performed below average.
Once Eden Hazard returns, Chelsea will gain huge confidence. Hazard was amazing for Chelsea last season and even in this year's World Cup for Belgium.
Chelsea fans will hope that the club signs a forward who can score goals and win games for them.
#3 Chelsea looked confused in defense
Sarri started with Antonio Rudiger and David Luiz in the center-back positions.
Luiz, who didn't play for Chelsea most of the last season, seemed lousy and lazy. He didn't backtrack when Chelsea lost possession. He was completely at fault for City's second goal. The Chelsea defender didn't notice how Aguero slipped behind him.
Rudiger was much better compared to David Luiz, but that wasn't enough to save his team.
If it was not for Willy Caballero's saves, Chelsea would have lost with a higher margin.
#4 Machester City will be tough to beat this season
Ever since Guardiola has joined Manchester City, he has been influential in improving the club. He guided them to win the Premier League last season with 100 points.
City have an impressive squad which can rupture any team's confidence on any given day.
Mendy was very impressive in the left back position. He was injured for most last season, but yesterday he played with huge confidence and impressed every City fan.
Kyle Walker succeeded in stopping the attacks from the right flank a number of times. John Stones and Aymeric Laporte were rock solid in the central defense.
Phil Foden was amazing throughout the game. He was the one who made the first goal possible with his incredible run from the center of the ground to the opposition's box.
Aguero is the top scorer of Manchester City with 201 goals. He has been City's main man for a while now when it comes to scoring goals. Aguero is often regarded as one of the best finishers in the world.
Guardiola has alternatives in every department. They have a number of young players including Brahmin Diaz and Phil Foden. We saw what Foden can do to the defenders when given the opportunity to play.
If Ederson can't play due to some reason, Claudio Bravo can step up. In defense, they have Kompany for John Stones. In midfield, they have Foden and Mahrez for Kevin De Bruyne. In attacking positions they have young Leroy Sane and Gabriel Jesus.
With such incredible depth in the squad, it is hard to imagine which club can stop City from retaining the league.
