Chelsea 2 Man City 1: Player ratings as Fernando Torres strikes late

Chelsea

Petr Cech Positioning and movement will be questioned for the goal but made three solid saves including a low stop from Silva to prevent the visitors going 2-1 up. 5/10

Branislav Ivanovic As lively as ever and almost got his head on Ramires’ teasing cross in the first half but for it being just too high. 5

Gary Cahill Should have volleyed Chelsea into the lead with the first chance of the game from Oscar’s cross, and later, had another chance. However, he made several clearances in the back line as Chelsea tried to keep city at bay. 5

John Terry Not called upon that much throughout the game and went about his business quietly. 5

Ashley Cole Calm and composed throughout the game making a number of vital interceptions throughout and did his best to move forward in the game. 6

Ramires One of Chelsea’s key players this season had another great game. Should have had an assist to his name after chipping a ball to Torres, who somehow blazed over. 6

Frank Lampard Quiet game for the Chlesea talisman who was later replaced. The midfielder did not find himself in space up the pitch as he usually tends to do. 5

Eden Hazard His speed troubled City on rare occasions but did not have an end product which could prove costly as Juan Mata hopes to regain his place in the side. 5

Oscar A fine performance from the Brazilian after a number of clever balls caused City problems but will be disappointed not to have got himself in positions to trouble Hart in the game. 6

Andre Schurrle The German international scored his first for the club and was a threat all afternoon before coming off. 6

Fernando Torres (Man of the match) A starring performance for the match winner who had earlier superbly set up Schurrle for the opening goal. Torres is showing signs he is on the verge of getting back to his best. 8

Substitutes

Willian Whipped a free-kick just wide after coming on. 5

John Obi Mikel Brought on for Lampard to refresh the Chelsea midfield and did what he had to. 5

Samuel Eto’o Only real impact was a foul after coming on. 5

Manchester City

Joe Hart The inquest will begin of whether he communicated to Nastasic for Chelsea’s winner. Prior to that the keeper seemed comfortable between the sticks. 5

Pablo Zabaleta Got forward well and whipped in some dangerous crosses that City’s attackers should have gambled on. 6

Martin Demichelis Handed a debut by Manuel Pellegrini and started well early on but struggled with the pace as it went on. 5

Matija Nastasic Shocking header to give Torres the winner in the final moments which will only make City fans further question if he deserves to pull on the team strip. 4

Gael Clichy Like Zabaleta, the full-back attacked well but he was run ragged by Torres all afternoon. 5

Javi Garcia Quiet throughout but could have scored for City, though he struggled to get any power on his header which went straight into Cech’s hands. 5

Fernandinho Wasteful in possession on occasions but came more and more into the game and produced a great burst in the second half that Pellegrini’s men could have capitalised on. 6

Samir Nasri Superbly weighted ball beyond the Chelsea defence to set up Aguero to level but the former Arsenal player was later replaced. 6

Yaya Toure Had a number of half chances and did his best to assert his authority on the game but struggled as Chelsea pressured well. 6

David Silva Showed some of his brilliance with a couple of neat touches but should have unleashed the trigger when in the Chelsea box in the second hafl but decided to pass. 6

Sergio Aguero Great finish from Aguero as he caught Cech off guard was strong through the game but unlucky to be on the losing side. 7

Substitutes

Jesus Navas Not enough time to make an impact after coming on for Nasri. 5

Aleksandar Kolarov Not enough time to make an impact. 5

Alvaro Negredo Did not manage to threaten Cech after coming on. 5