Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand felt Chelsea missed Mason Mount’s energy and bite during their 1-0 defeat against Manchester City.
Gabriel Jesus broke the deadlock with a strike in the 53rd minute at Stamford Bridge and City held firm to bring an end to Chelsea’s unbeaten start in the league.
Mount was ruled out of the game after suffering a minor injury in Chelsea’s Carabao Cup win over Aston Villa and N’Golo Kante came back into the midfield after starting on the bench against Spurs last week.
‘Manchester City have beaten a contender for the title,’ the former United and England defender told BT Sport shortly after the final whistle.
‘This was a statement performance. It was a 1-0 beating today. Chelsea weren’t part of the game. City dominated in all areas.
‘It was really convincing and just what City needed. Chelsea weren’t up to speed today, the intensity wasn’t there. They were beaten by a better side on the day.
‘Chelsea missed Mason Mount today, the way he connects the team and his energy. ‘I think Tuchel will want him back as soon as possible.’
In his post-match interview with BT Sport, Tuchel conceded the Blues failed to reach their ‘very best level’ and Pep Guardiola’s City were ‘deserved’ winners.
‘We lost the game and City deserved to win. For 60 minutes, or until the goal, we were very strong until the last 20 meters of the field but only there,’ the Chelsea head coach said.
‘We were not good enough today to escape the pressure to have ball possession. Not only to breathe but also to switch play and to hurt them and to grow in confidence.
‘It never happened in the first half and also in the second half. Until the goal we defended very well the box and the goal, it was excellent, but this was only part of the match.
‘The performance was not complex enough. It was not on our very best level and you need to be on your very best level to poach a game like this.’
