MANCHESTER CITY’S wait for their first Champions League title goes on after coming up second best to Thomas Tuchel’s tactical masterclass.
Pep Guardiola’s superstars mustered just one shot on target during the contest as Kai Havertz came up trumps to bag the only goal of the game.
The Spanish boss may be facing question marks over his team selection but it was Chelsea’s defence who came out on top in Porto.
Here, SunSport’s Richard Forrester gives his Manchester City player ratings on a bleak evening for the Premier League champions.
EDERSON – 6
Question marks over his role in the opening goal when rushing out of his box in his attempt to deny Havertz.
Had little else to do in the contest as Chelsea soaked up Man City’s pressure.
KYLE WALKER – 6
Produced one or two brilliant crosses but his team-mates couldn’t take advantage.
Could have offered more going forward down the right flank but Chilwell kept him quiet.
Defensively didn’t do much wrong.
JOHN STONES – 5
Endured a nervy start, relieved to see his error go unpunished early on. Werner gave him some trouble down the flanks.
Didn’t appear as confident without Rodri or Fernandinho playing in front of him.
RUBEN DIAS – 6
Almost grabbed an assist right at the death but no City player could smash home his cross.
Question marks over his positioning when Havertz was gifted acres to run through on goal.
Overall looked more assured than his defensive partner Stones.
ZINCHENKO – 4
Should have done much better for Chelsea’s opening goal. Lost his runner as Havertz used his pace to burst through a gaping hole in the defence.
Caught out of position and lost possession on occasions. Made a great tackle on Havertz with the scores at 0-0.
ILKAY GUNDOGAN – 5
Booked in the first half for a high boot meaning he was forced to be extra cautious.
Was deployed in a deeper role in a tactical surprise by Pep Guardiola but struggled to dictate the play and help bring De Bruyne into the contest.
Could have been of more use in a more advanced role.
KEVIN DE BRUYNE – 4
Failed to turn up on the big occassion. A wonderfully gifted player but, like Foden, couldn’t work his magic to break through Chelsea’s rearguard.
Was subbed off on 58 minutes after a nasty collision with Rudiger. Headed off the field in tears before being replaced by Gabriel Jesus.
BERNARDO SILVA – 5
Worked tirelessly in midfield but struggled to cement his authority on the contest.
Played narrower than usual and couldn’t contribute to City’s lacklustre attack before being subbed off on 64 minutes.
RAHEEM STERLING – 5
Had an early chance but his control let him down. Initially looked lively and direct running at the Chelsea defence but grew frustrated as the contest went on.
Lost the battle with Reece James out on the flank and was subbed off for Sergio Aguero on 77 minutes. Looks worringly out of form ahead of the Euros.
PHIL FODEN – 6
Unusually quiet game for Foden, struggled to find space in Chelsea’s brilliantly disciplined defensive performance.
Kante had him in his back pocket for large periods of the contest. Had two chances in the box but was brilliantly blocked with Chelsea throwing bodies on the line.
RIYAD MAHREZ – 5
Struggled defensively out on the right with Chilwell causing him problems and was unusually quiet going forward.
Almost snatched a last-gasp equaliser right at the death but his strike went agonisingly wide.
Subs
Gabriel Jesus – 5
Was introduced with 30 minutes to play but had no impact on the contest.
Fernandinho – 6
Guardiola will be regretting the decision not to start him. Surely would have plugged the gap for Havertz’s opener.
Sergio Aguero – 5
A sad end to his time at Manchester City. Had 13 minutes to salvage an equaliser but couldn’t produce a fairytale ending.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
