Many might have known what to expect from Manchester City as they faced Chelsea, but questions due to the coronavirus and form issues were answered emphatically within the first 45 minutes thanks to goals from Ilkay Gundogan, Phil Foden and Kevin De Bruyne.
The second period may not have had as much action, but City looked comfortable for the majority of their 3-1 win and move to fifth in the Premier League, despite Callum Hudson-Odoi's late consolation goal for Chelsea.
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Positives
There is much for Pep Guardiola to be happy about. The most obvious point is how clinical his team was in front of goal in the first half, while City also passed the ball superbly and maintained possession, which allowed them to have complete control for long periods. They also looked very secure defensively throughout the game as Zack Steffen made his league debut, with the backline helped by the pressing of those ahead of them.
Negatives
Guardiola was annoyed at the late concession, while Steffen got away with picking up a backpass at 0-0. Perhaps City might have scored more goals, but this was hardly a display full of faults.
Manager rating out of 10
9 -- Guardiola had so much to contend with ahead of this game, yet his side put in arguably the best performance of the season. Say what you want about Chelsea and Frank Lampard, but Guardiola couldn't have asked for too much more from his side.
Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)
GK Zack Steffen, 6 -- Had a mix-up near the beginning with the backpass, but thereafter was rarely tested and couldn't do anything about Chelsea's goal.
DF Joao Cancelo 7 -- Provided attacking threat down the right, while also limiting most of the attempts to attack that side of City's defence.
DF Ruben Dias, 7 -- Looked dominant in his play and was very rarely troubled by the Chelsea attack.
DF John Stones, 7 -- Maintained his concentration well and put in another solid display to extend his fine recent form, nullifying Timo Werner brilliantly.
DF Oleksandr Zinchenko, 6 -- Reliable for most of the game, though Guardiola was frustrated with one lazy pass and Hudson-Odoi got behind him for the goal.
MF Rodri, 6 -- Got away with what could have been a foul on the edge of his box when the score was 0-0, but looked comfortable for most of the game.
MF Ilkay Gundogan, 8 -- Opened the scoring with a superb turn and finish and put in a brilliant performance throughout his time on the pitch.
MF Kevin De Bruyne, 9 -- Just scintillating in his play and good value for the goal he scored, having set up the second of the game.
FW Raheem Sterling, 8 -- Chelsea simply couldn't contain him. The England international was almost unstoppable when he ran directly and did a lot of the work for City's third goal.
FW Phil Foden, 8 -- Cesar Azpilicueta will probably have nightmares about Foden after City's No. 47 regularly got past him, while also getting a goal and assist.
FW Bernardo Silva, 7 -- Put in a good performance but was overshadowed by the brilliance of his fellow attackers. Booked for a foul on Christian Pulisic.
Substitutes
MF Fernandinho, NR -- Replaced Gundogan in the 75th minute and immediately got about disrupting Chelsea's play.
FW Riyad Mahrez, NR -- Replaced Foden in the 86th minute and was very quiet.
FW Sergio Aguero, NR -- Replaced De Bruyne in the 86th minute and didn't do much more than get a few minutes under his belt.