On August 5, 2018, Chelsea faced Manchester City in the FA Community Shield at Wembley Stadium, marking the official start of the English football season. Manchester City secured a comfortable 2-0 victory, with Sergio Agüero scoring both goals to give Pep Guardiola’s side their first trophy of the 2018-2019 campaign.
Key Statistics and Analysis
- Scoreline and Goal Timings:
- Chelsea: 0
- Manchester City: 2 (Sergio Agüero 13′, 58′)
- Possession:
- Manchester City dominated possession with 58%, while Chelsea had 42%. City’s control of the ball allowed them to dictate the pace of the game, particularly in midfield, where they outplayed Chelsea.
- Shots:
- Manchester City registered 18 shots, with 8 on target, reflecting their attacking dominance and ability to create clear chances. Chelsea had 5 shots, with 2 on target, struggling to break down City’s defense and test their goalkeeper, Claudio Bravo.
- Passing Accuracy:
- Manchester City displayed a high passing accuracy of 90%, completing 634 passes out of 704 attempts. Chelsea had a passing accuracy of 85%, completing 428 passes out of 501 attempts. City’s superior ball retention and sharp passing in the final third were key to their control of the match.
- Defensive Statistics:
- Manchester City made 15 tackles compared to Chelsea’s 17, reflecting Chelsea’s attempts to regain possession and disrupt City’s rhythm. City’s defense, led by John Stones and Aymeric Laporte, was solid throughout, limiting Chelsea’s opportunities.
- Set Pieces:
- Both of Manchester City’s goals came from open play. The first goal saw Sergio Agüero score his 200th goal for City with a low shot after a clever pass from Phil Foden. The second goal was another clinical finish from Agüero, who was set up by Bernardo Silva after a quick counter-attack. Chelsea had limited set-piece opportunities and were unable to convert any into clear chances.
- Individual Performances:
- Sergio Agüero was the standout player for Manchester City, scoring both goals and showcasing his clinical finishing. Phil Foden, playing in midfield, impressed with his vision and creativity, providing the assist for Agüero’s first goal. For Chelsea, Jorginho, making his competitive debut, struggled to control the midfield against City’s pressing, while Eden Hazard, still recovering from the World Cup, was a notable absentee.
- Tactical Overview:
- Manchester City employed a 4-3-3 formation under Pep Guardiola, focusing on high pressing, quick transitions, and using width to stretch Chelsea’s defense. Chelsea, under new manager Maurizio Sarri, also used a 4-3-3 formation but struggled to implement Sarri’s style of play effectively, particularly against City’s aggressive pressing and control in midfield.
- Disciplinary:
- The match saw two yellow cards, both for Chelsea (César Azpilicueta 26′, Ross Barkley 86′). The fouls were largely tactical, aimed at stopping City’s counter-attacks and breaking up play.
- Corners and Offsides:
- Manchester City won 3 corners compared to Chelsea’s 2, reflecting City’s ability to maintain pressure in the attacking third. Both teams were caught offside twice, indicating their attempts to push the defensive lines and create scoring opportunities.
Summary
Manchester City’s 2-0 victory over Chelsea in the FA Community Shield was a commanding performance that underscored their status as the dominant team in English football at the time. Sergio Agüero’s two goals, one in each half, were the difference, with the Argentine striker reaching a significant milestone by scoring his 200th goal for the club.
City’s control of the game, both in terms of possession and creating chances, was evident throughout, as they comfortably outplayed a Chelsea side still adapting to new manager Maurizio Sarri’s tactical approach. Chelsea, missing key players like Eden Hazard and struggling to implement Sarri’s philosophy, were unable to match City’s intensity and quality.
This match set the tone for the season ahead, with Manchester City continuing to demonstrate their strength under Pep Guardiola. For Chelsea, the game highlighted the challenges they would face in transitioning to Sarri’s style of play, which would take time to fully integrate. The victory also gave City their first trophy of the season, boosting their confidence as they embarked on another campaign aiming for domestic and European success.
