The scoreline might only read 1-0 but this was a convincing performance from champions-elect Manchester City.
And while the goals might not have poured in the Manchester rain, City’s midfield certainly did reign, with Bernardo Silva, David Silva, Ilkay Gundogan, Kevin De Bruyne and Leroy Sane on song.
Formner Monaco man Bernardo popped up less than a minute into the second half to score the only goal, but it was all Man City as Pep Guardiola’s men enjoyed a staggering 80 per cent of the possession against the current champions of England.
Here, we rate Guardiola’s side in victory.
MANCHESTER CITY (4-3-3)
Ederson 6 – Might have expected to have a bit more to do than usual with the champions in town, but was untested with no shots on target.
Kyle Walker 5 – Not the England man’s best game as Chelsea’s best play came down his side in the second half.
Nicolas Otamendi 7 – Was often a figure of comedy in the first half of the season but has proved to be City’s rock in 2018.
Aymeric Laporte 6 – Still finding his feet in England but could not have hoped for a more straightforward day at the office.
Oleksandr Zinchenko 6 – Chelsea may have thought of the young Ukrainian as a weak link they could exploit. Couldn’t get close enough to him.
Kevin De Bruyne 7 – Even when he has one of his quieter games, is better than most on the field. Knitted his side’s play from his deep, central role.
Ilkay Gundogan 7 – Even when Chelsea cleared their lines, must have been demoralised by seeing the ball land at the feet of the metronomic German to launch yet another attack.
David Silva 8 – In his eighth season at City but proving he’s as vital as ever. Glides across the field. City’s talisman.
Bernardo Silva 8 – Getting a run of games and proving he’s not the only shiny piece of Silvaware City possess in their treasure chest.
Sergio Aguero 7 – Would have hoped to have done more with his sights of goal, but his sniping runs kept Chelsea defenders on their toes.
Leroy Sane 8 – Graceful and hard-working, he is a dream for Pep Guardiola. Controlled the ball sublimely and unlucky not to score.
SUBSTITUTES
Gabriel Jesus N/A – Came on to give the industrious Aguero a rest.
Danillo N/A – Replaced the reliable Zinchenko late in the day.
Phil Foden N/A – The youngster was given a few minutes to stretch the legs.