Chelsea 2-1 Man City: The one that Liverpool were NOT playing in

Captain America can't be stopped

Chelsea hosted Manchester City at Stamford Bridge on Thursday night in one of their most important matches of Project Restart. With Man United having closed the gap to just two points with a win over Sheffield United the night before, this was a must win game for the Blues in their bid to secure a Champions League place for next season.

But you wouldn't have known it was an important game if you were listening to the punditry on BT Sport. In fact, their focus was so singular that you wouldn't have known the two teams that were actually involved in the actual football match playing out if it weren't for your own eyeballs seeing it play out on screen. I appreciate narrative as part of sport - who doesn't love a story - but there are levels.

There was an overarching tone deaf theme throughout the match. Tell your story - but also, know your audience. Chelsea and Manchester City supporters, whether it is their game or not, are unlikely to want to hear about Liverpool. Ever. In just about any capacity. In fact the only supporters who would want to hear even less about Liverpool's potential success would be Everton and Manchester United. So who was Thursday night's commentary actually for? The neutrals -- who tuned in to watch Chelsea and Manchester City? If people only wanted to hear about Liverpool, surely they'd just put on The Anfield Wrap. No one puts a match on to hear about a team that's not involved. The entire point of punditry is to offer some sort of insight into the game itself.

Reunited and it feels so good... 

Frank Lampard made two changes from the team to beat Aston Villa over the weekend. Christian Pulisic and Ross Barkley were both rewarded for their sub appearances on Sunday with a start. With an FA Cup quarter-final clash this weekend, it's surprising there weren't more changes to this team.

Unsurprisingly, Man City dominated play with possession and drove forward as they searched for an early goal. But Chelsea's defence remained resolute. Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger were formidable together. And it is a credit to them and N'Golo Kante how they managed to keep Raheem Sterling and Riyad Mahrez quiet throughout the first half.

First goalscorer for Chelsea once again was Captain America. He calmly slotted past Ederson at the 36 minute-mark. Despite making just 13 Premier League starts, only Tammy Abraham has scored more goals than Christian Pulisic for Chelsea this season.

It wasn't long into the second half when Man City were able to draw level. Kante did what he had to in order to stop Mahrez through on goal - which resulted in a foul and free-kick awarded. Former Blue Kevin de Bruyne stepped up and delivered. A phenomenal free-kick saw the outgoing champions draw level.

Outrageously good free-kick come back Kevin! 

Pulisic did his best to restore the lead and score his second of the night, but it wasn't to be. Kyle Walker took time out of his escort filled-sex parties other sex parties are available to somehow stop the ball from crossing the line.

Chelsea continued to press Chelsea's defence and were eventually rewarded with a penalty after VAR spotted a handball from Fernandinho. It's difficult to say which was more shocking - VAR awarding a call in Chelsea's favour or Willian converting the penalty.

Fernandinho was shown a straight red for swatting Tammy Abraham's effort away. Forcing Man City to play out the remaining 13 mins with both a goal and man down. Chelsea continued to test Ederson but it would remain 2-1.

The result could be key in Chelsea's bid to keep their top four place. Next up - Leicester in the FA Cup.

jb xx

RESULT: Chelsea 2-1 Man City

GOALS: Pulisic 36, De Bruyne 55, Willian 78

CHELSEA XI: Kepa, Azpilicueta, Rudiger, Christensen, Alonso, Barkley (Kovacic 73), Kante, Mount (Pedro 91), Willian, Pulisic (Gilmour 91), Giroud (Abraham 62)

STAR MAN: Christian Pulisic