Manchester City continued their relentless Premier League dominance with a 3-1 win over Chelsea in Match Week 23. Goals from Josko Gvardiol, Erling Haaland, and Phil Foden sealed the victory, with Chelsea’s early opener through Noni Madueke offering a brief moment of hope. The game showcased City’s efficiency and Chelsea’s valiant but ultimately insufficient efforts in a contest of tactical intrigue.

Key Stats Breakdown

Shots: City outshot Chelsea 14-11, converting 21.4% of their attempts into goals, compared to Chelsea’s 9.1%.

Expected Goals (xG): City recorded a superior xG of 2.28, reflecting their clinical finishing, while Chelsea’s xG of 1.3 suggests they struggled to convert decent opportunities.

Possession: City dominated possession with 58%, dictating the tempo of the match.

Progressive Runs: Both teams contributed to an open game, with City managing 25 and Chelsea close behind with 22.

Match Momentum

The momentum chart illustrates a game of fluctuating dominance. Chelsea started brightly, capitalizing on an early chance from Madueke (xG: 0.28). However, City grew into the game, taking control after Gvardiol’s header. The second half belonged to Pep Guardiola’s men, as Haaland’s instinctive finish and Foden’s clinical strike (xG: 0.37) capped a commanding display.

Shots and Goals

City’s shot map highlights their varied attacking threat, with six shots on target and three goals. Their efficiency in the central attacking zones was particularly striking, as Gvardiol and Haaland converted close-range opportunities.

In contrast, Chelsea struggled in front of goal, registering just four shots on target from wide and less threatening positions.

Possession Tactics

City’s Pass Map: City’s build-up was a masterclass in control, with Ilkay Gündogan, Mateo Kovacic, and Bernardo Silva orchestrating play from midfield. Phil Foden and Erling Haaland stretched Chelsea’s backline, creating space for their teammates to exploit.

Chelsea’s Pass Map: Chelsea’s build-up relied heavily on Marc Cucurella and Reece James to advance the ball from deep. However, their final-third connections were limited, leaving Nicolas Jackson isolated at times.

City demonstrated their championship pedigree once again, combining tactical discipline with attacking ruthlessness. Chelsea, despite moments of promise, were ultimately undone by their inability to sustain pressure against City’s relentless waves of attack. Pep Guardiola’s men continue to set the benchmark, while Chelsea must regroup to find consistency in their performances.