Former coach: I’ve not seen Chelsea thrashed like that in a long time

Chelsea boss Antonio Conte Photo: Screengrab

Ray Wilkins has admitted that Chelsea were “battered” by Manchester City during the Citizens’ 1-0 victory over the Blues at Stamford Bridge last weekend.

Antonio Conte’s men were thoroughly outplayed for most of the game at Stamford Bridge as Kevin De Bruyne hit the second-half winner for Pep Guardiola’s side to hand them the advantage in the title race.

The result was Chelsea’s second home defeat of the season and it left them down in fourth place in the Premier League table and six points behind leaders Manchester City after seven games.

And former Chelsea coach Wilkins admits that Manchester City were significantly better than the Blues in all departments last Saturday.

Speaking on Sky Sports News, Wilkins said: “They [Manchester City] were absolutely magnificent.

“I thought they battered us [Chelsea] to be perfectly honest. I’ve not seen us taken apart like that for a long, long while.

“I thought they were absolutely outstanding from back to front. Very, very good indeed.”

Chelsea return to Premier League action after the international break with a trip to Selhurst Park to take on struggling Crystal Palace.

The west London side are aiming to defend their title after winning the trophy in style under Conte in his first campaign in charge last term.

The Blues, who have won the title in two of the last three seasons, have made a strong start to life back in the Champions League after having won both of their opening group games.

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