Maurizio Sarri has suggested that NGolo Kante got lucky with his strike during Chelseas 2-0 victory over Manchester City at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea were distinctly second-best to their visitors before Kante opened the scoring against the run of play with an excellent strike after being picked out by Eden Hazard.
It proved to be a game-defining goal as Chelsea were much-improved after the restart with David Luizs fine header from a Hazard corner securing the win late on.
Much has been made of Kantes role under Sarri this season but the Italian seemed surprised that he had ventured that far forward to convert Chelseas only shot of the half.
I think that today he scored by chance because they played very close to Jorginho more than in the other matches, Sarri explained post-match.
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He defended very well, some counters were good and he was in the box in the first goal but I think that today he played in the right position, very close to Jorginho.
More: Football
Sarris praise of Kantes positioning alongside Jorginho in Chelseas midfield was in stark contrast to the criticism he dished out to the Frenchman after Chelseas defeat to Spurs.
On that occasion, Sarri stated that Kante had been playing too attacking which left Jorginho exposed, but it looks as though Kante is becoming accustomed to his managers demands.
Kantes two goals in 16 Premier League games this season is as many as he managed in his first two seasons for the club, while he has also weighed in with two assists.
Chelseas win moved them back into the top four, while Liverpool took advantage of Citys slip-up to go top of the Premier League table.
More: Chelsea FC
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Maurizio Sarri has suggested that NGolo Kante got lucky with his strike during Chelseas 2-0 victory over Manchester City at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea were distinctly second-best to their visitors before Kante opened the scoring against the run of play with an excellent strike after being picked out by Eden Hazard.
It proved to be a game-defining goal as Chelsea were much-improved after the restart with David Luizs fine header from a Hazard corner securing the win late on.
Much has been made of Kantes role under Sarri this season but the Italian seemed surprised that he had ventured that far forward to convert Chelseas only shot of the half.
I think that today he scored by chance because they played very close to Jorginho more than in the other matches, Sarri explained post-match.
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He defended very well, some counters were good and he was in the box in the first goal but I think that today he played in the right position, very close to Jorginho.
More: Football
Sarris praise of Kantes positioning alongside Jorginho in Chelseas midfield was in stark contrast to the criticism he dished out to the Frenchman after Chelseas defeat to Spurs.
On that occasion, Sarri stated that Kante had been playing too attacking which left Jorginho exposed, but it looks as though Kante is becoming accustomed to his managers demands.
Kantes two goals in 16 Premier League games this season is as many as he managed in his first two seasons for the club, while he has also weighed in with two assists.
Chelseas win moved them back into the top four, while Liverpool took advantage of Citys slip-up to go top of the Premier League table.
More: Chelsea FC
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