Last night saw a sold-out Stamford Bridge host a Top 6 clash between Chelsea and visitors Manchester City.
Both sides came into the game desperate for a win, for City it was about keeping pace with league-leaders Arsenal, while the Blues needed to bounce back from their abysmal run of form.
The first 45 went against the expectations of many, as Chelsea managed to establish a foothold in the game and even knitted together some decent chances.
City on the other hand lacked a bit of sharpness in their build-up, as Pep Guardiola’s experiment with Cancelo and Walker down the right proved ineffective.
Displaying his more pragmatic side, the Spaniard rolled in the changes before the second-half whistle, and the game swayed City’s way from there on.
Playing in a manner they’re more accustomed to, the Citizens looked far better, and eventually, they earned the lead through Riyad Mahrez.
The hosts tried to stitch together a comeback during the 20 final minutes and even got close on a few occasions.
Unfortunately, it was not to be, City picked up all 3 points and they remain just 5 shy of Arsenal.
High-profile evenings at the Bridge, such as this one, usually have a few stars in attendance, and last night was no different.
Aside from notable figures like Shakhtar director Darijo Srna and Blues owner Todd Boehly, a couple of Brentford players were also present for the game.
The Bees duo in attendance were none other than star striker Ivan Toney and fullback Rico Henry
The pair were spotted together in the stands, and at one point, they even had Chelsea’s Reece James for company.
Toney and James are known to be mates off the pitch, and the fullback even commented on Toney’s post after being snubbed for England’s World Cup squad.
Owing to his sparkling spell at Brentford, the 26-year-old has been linked with a move to Chelsea in the recent past.
And watching him pop up at the Bridge managed to stir up a bit of excitement among Blues fans.
Back in September, Toney cited Chelsea Legend Didier Drogba as one of his inspirations, and he certainly wears that influence on his sleeve.
His style of play has been likened to the Ivorian’s by many, which makes it easy to see why Chelsea fans are excited by the prospect of a transfer.
Any approach for Toney will likely cost upwards of £50m, and that isn’t even the biggest hurdle in the way.
The 26-year-old is still under investigation by the FA for 232 instances of misconduct, which throws quite a spanner in the works.
We’ll find out in the coming months if a move for Toney does indeed take shape, although the potential transfer already has the approval of fans.
