Chelsea vs. Manchester City: A Proof of Pep’s Squad Depth

Written by Reananda Hidayat Permono Completed Master of Science - MS, Petroleum Geology from Curtin University, Perth, Australia.

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Pep Guardiola GIF

Pep Guardiola GIF

After winning the Chelsea vs. Manchester City game at Stamford Bridge, the Citizen moved to within five points of the league leader Arsenal.

Play Sports Premier League GIF

Play Sports Premier League GIF

Coming off the bench in the second half, Riyad Mahrez and Jack Grealish presented an excellent combination in a 1-0 win.

Mahrez Mahrez Vs Psg GIF

Mahrez Mahrez Vs Psg GIF

Chelsea battled as tough as they could since they lost Christian Pulisic and Raheem Sterling to injury. Sterling did hurt his hamstring in the opening minutes.

Sterling Sterling Chelsea GIF

Sterling Sterling Chelsea GIF

Meanwhile, Pulisic couldn’t recover after a robust challenge from John Stones that denied Pulisic’s chance for the opening goal.

Pulisic Christian Pulisic GIF

Pulisic Christian Pulisic GIF

After all, City were firm favorites against Potter’s Chelsea, who had won just one of six matches before this meeting.

Grahampotter Brighton GIF

Grahampotter Brighton GIF

However, The Blues seemed the more threatening side in the first half as Carney Chukwuemeka almost put Chelsea in front.

Carney Chukwuemeka Chelsea GIF

Carney Chukwuemeka Chelsea GIF

Pep Guardiola changed his personnel and system at halftime, and City began to take control. Besides, Mahrez and Grealish, he also brought Rico Lewis and Manuel Akanji in.

Pep Guardiola Pep Tactics GIF

Pep Guardiola Pep Tactics GIF

In the 63rd minute, Grealish sent a low cross from the left, and Mahrez tapped it at the far post. Interestingly, that goal occurred just three minutes after both were subbed on for City.

Jack Wink Jack Grealish GIF

Jack Wink Jack Grealish GIF

A significant squad depth is everything in the Premier League. Unlike Mikel Arteta, Guardiola had a bench full of solutions when he needed one.

Pep Guadiola Talking To Nobody Pep Aired GIF

Pep Guadiola Talking To Nobody Pep Aired GIF

That’s why after winning the Chelsea vs. Manchester City game, City is still a title favorite even though they are five points behind Arsenal.

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Pep Angry Pep Guardiola Angry GIF

Pep Angry Pep Guardiola Angry GIF