Manuel Akanji believes Manchester City’s lack of control against Chelsea cost his side two points. The teams played out arguably the game of the Premier League season in the 4-all draw at Stamford Bridge. Mauricio Pochettino’s side were successful in unsettling Pep Guardiola’s side which helped contribute to such an open game.
Speaking following the game Akanji believes his side inability to control the game affected his side. He said: “We came here to get the three points, but we got one. It was a really wide game, back and forth, maybe we should have done better in some situations. We did some individual mistakes and didn’t have much control of the game like we normally have. It was a game with a lot of transitions – for us and for them.”
At half-time Pep Guardiola adjusted the Manchester City set up to attempt to give his side more control. Jack Grealish came on for Jeremy Doku in the 58th minute but the open nature of the contest continued. It made for enthralling viewing and a draw was a fitting result by the time the final whistle blew.
Manuel Akanji also commented on the tactical changes during the game. He added: “We changed it a little bit – we built up with the back four, I dropped deeper, and I felt better in there. We had a little bit more control, but it was still pretty wild.”
The injury to John Stones which forced him to miss the Chelsea game no doubt contributed to City’s inability to control the game in their usual manner. With Stones unavailable it took away his ability to drift into midfield to support Rodri and dictate the game.
City will be hoping Stones can return for the Liverpool clash following the international break.
