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The knives are out for Maurizio Sarri.
No away wins this year. In fact, no goals absent this year.
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In Bournemouth, last week was felt as a turning point and not in the right direction as roving supporters who were frustrated with the Arsenal display went after the general manager and the team.
But this afternoon may be the match where Sarri shows that he has the courage of his own convictions.
And that, unlike his immediate predecessor, he does not believe that a game is a lost cause.
When Chelsea went to Manchester City 11 months ago, they left again following a 1-0 defeat by supporters convinced that "Antonio" had lost his temper.
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The Blues, champions title, remember, whose victory at Etihad in this victorious season was a decisive moment, had barely crossed the median line.
Their threat was minimal, with Conte apparently having adopted an early approach to damage limitation.
Former Chelsea leader Ruud Gullit called the tactical approach "terrible".
Chelsea fans on the road can accept defeats. They occur. They are a professional risk.
But they can not, do not want to, accept defeatism. A team that does not even try to win.
In truth, this afternoon, there is little expectation for Sarri and her side.
The fight of the first four will be decided by the next 12 games, not necessarily this one.
Questions about the future of Eden Hazard seem to indicate an obvious answer, while Jorginho's Italian obsession with using Jorginho at the base of his midfield – derivation of N'Golo Kante – aims to dispel the differences between the supporters.
But Sarri pushed, pushed and probed for the green light to bring in Gonzalo Higuain, who had an instant impact.
With a good ball, an online leader and a center-center, Hazard was able to play wider, in areas where he was happiest.
PA: Press Association
If City has a weak, it is defensively. Hazard may have after Kyle Walker.
Higuain will be able to expose the central defensive doubts, Pedro can show Pep Guardiola while the Catalan has so noted in Barcelona.
But for this trio to make its way, Sarri must send his team with the intention of hurting the home team.
Of course, it will not be easy.
City have the wind in their sails, feeling the vulnerabilities of Liverpool.
Sergio Aguero plays well, Raheem Sterling and Leroy Sane lick their lips at the prospect of running against the defenders of Sarri, both Silvas play as well as at any time this season.
And there is also Kevin De Bruyne.
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This is an opportunity for Sarri to demonstrate that he is able to evoke a great performance on his side.
What Chelsea fans will not accept, is a rehearsal of the approach they witnessed last season.
Of course, Conté always had goodwill, although it was from this game that he began to dissipate.
Sarri has lost a lot of his own.
Still, go out, play like a real Chelsea team, bring the game to City and come back with something tangible and the Italian could perhaps still transform the atmosphere.
It's in his hands.
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