Manchester City vs. Chelsea – Premier League – December 3, 2016

On December 3, 2016, Manchester City faced Chelsea in a high-stakes Premier League match at the Etihad Stadium. Chelsea secured a dramatic 3-1 victory, coming from behind to extend their winning streak and solidify their position at the top of the table.

Key Statistics and Analysis

1. Scoreline and Goal Timings:
   • Manchester City: 1 (Gary Cahill 45′ (own goal))
   • Chelsea: 3 (Diego Costa 60′, Willian 70′, Eden Hazard 90′)
2. Possession:
   • Manchester City had 61% possession, while Chelsea had 39%. Despite City’s control of the ball, Chelsea’s tactical discipline and lethal counter-attacks were decisive in turning the game around.
3. Shots:
   • Manchester City registered 14 shots, with 5 on target, reflecting their attacking intent but also their inability to convert chances into goals. Chelsea had 8 shots, with 5 on target, showcasing their efficiency and clinical finishing on the break.
4. Passing Accuracy:
   • Manchester City displayed a passing accuracy of 87%, completing 579 passes out of 666 attempts. Chelsea had a passing accuracy of 77%, completing 300 passes out of 389 attempts. City’s superior passing statistics reflected their dominance in possession, but Chelsea’s more direct approach proved more effective.
5. Defensive Statistics:
   • Chelsea made 20 tackles compared to Manchester City’s 13, highlighting their determination to disrupt City’s rhythm and regain possession. Chelsea’s defense, led by David Luiz and Gary Cahill, was solid after a shaky first half, especially in containing City’s attacks in the second half.
6. Set Pieces:
   • Manchester City took the lead through an own goal by Gary Cahill, who inadvertently volleyed the ball into his own net from a cross just before halftime. Chelsea’s goals all came from open play, with Diego Costa, Willian, and Eden Hazard each finishing off swift counter-attacks.
7. Individual Performances:
   • Diego Costa was instrumental for Chelsea, scoring the equalizer and assisting Willian’s goal with a perfectly weighted pass. Eden Hazard was also crucial, scoring the third goal to seal the victory and constantly threatening City’s defense with his pace and dribbling. For Manchester City, Kevin De Bruyne was active in creating chances, but his impact was limited as the game wore on.
8. Tactical Overview:
   • Manchester City employed a 3-2-4-1 formation under Pep Guardiola, focusing on controlling possession and pressing high. Chelsea used their effective 3-4-3 formation under Antonio Conte, focusing on a solid defensive structure and quick counter-attacks. City’s high defensive line was exposed by Chelsea’s fast transitions, leading to all three of Chelsea’s goals.
9. Disciplinary:
   • The match saw multiple yellow cards and ended with a red card for Manchester City’s Sergio Agüero (90+6′) for a dangerous tackle on David Luiz, followed by Fernandinho (90+7′) for an altercation with Cesc Fàbregas. The physical nature of the match highlighted the intense rivalry and high stakes involved.
10. Corners and Offsides:
    • Manchester City won 11 corners compared to Chelsea’s 1, reflecting their sustained pressure and territorial dominance. However, Chelsea’s defense dealt well with City’s set pieces. City were caught offside 3 times, while Chelsea had 2 offside calls, indicating both teams’ attempts to push forward aggressively.

Summary

Chelsea’s 3-1 victory over Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium was a defining moment in their title-winning 2016-17 campaign. Despite falling behind due to an own goal from Gary Cahill just before halftime, Chelsea executed a perfect second-half performance, turning the game around with goals from Diego Costa, Willian, and Eden Hazard, all from swift counter-attacks.

City’s dominance in possession and the number of chances created ultimately went unrewarded, as they struggled to break down Chelsea’s resilient defense and were repeatedly caught out by Chelsea’s rapid counter-attacks. The match’s intensity boiled over in stoppage time, with Sergio Agüero and Fernandinho both receiving red cards for violent conduct, highlighting the frustration and high emotions.

For Chelsea, this victory extended their winning streak to eight games and solidified their position at the top of the Premier League table. The match is remembered for Chelsea’s tactical masterclass under Antonio Conte and their ability to capitalize on City’s weaknesses, as well as for the fiery end to the game, which underscored the fierce rivalry between the two clubs.