Steven Gerrard names big mistake Chelsea made during 1-0 loss to Man City

Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard Photo: BT Sport

Steven Gerrard believes that Antonio Conte made a mistake by bringing on Willian in Chelsea’s 1-0 loss to Manchester City in the Premier League on Saturday.

The Blues were largely out-played by Pep Guardiola’s men at Stamford Bridge as they were comprehensively beaten in front of their home fans.

Chelsea lost Alvaro Morata to a suspected hamstring injury in the first half at Stamford Bridge and Conte opted to bring on Willian rather than another striker such as Michy Batshuayi.

And former Liverpool captain Gerrard believes that decision tipped the game in Manchester City’s favour following the defeat.

Speaking on BT Sport after the game, former midfielder Gerrard said: “Chelsea’s best player in Alvaro Morata went off which was a blow for them.

“But to bring Willian on basically showed us that Conte was happy with defending all game long and settling for a point.

“If you’re the champions at home, I think the Chelsea fans should be disappointed with that.”

Chelsea will aim to get back to winning ways in the Premier League when the Blues take on Crystal Palace in their next game after the international break at Selhurst Park on Saturday 14 October.

Saturday’s loss left Conte’s men in fourth place in the Premier League table and six points behind leaders Manchester City after seven games of the new campaign.

Chelsea won the Premier League title in style on Conte’s first campaign at the club last season, but they did not have the distraction of any European football last term.

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