Chelsea 2 - Manchester City 1: Initial reaction and community rating form

The Blues got out of the gate pretty well, and could well have been up by several goals before the break. They only managed a single first half strike though, as Andre Schurrle tapped in a beautiful cross from Fernando Torres.

Sergio Aguero leveled the game early in the second half with a wonderful strike from the edge of the box. I'm sure we'll have more on that particular goal later, but frankly, it was easily avoidable. It was 1-1 nevertheless, and Chelsea needed to turn up the pressure again.

There were chances for both sides as the game played out, but in the end both clubs looked like they'd be forced to settle for a point. Then, Fernando Torres happened. Here are a few thoughts after this one:

• Many pundits were surprised that Manuel Pellegrini went to a one-striker system for today's game, but anyone who has paid any sort of attention to the way he's managed throughout his career really shouldn't have been surprised. He's generally deployed two strikers against weaker opposition, and been a little more conservative in big matches in the past.
• Fernando Torres played very well after a shaky start to the game. Here's hoping we're finally to the point where the striker position isn't a glaring weakness.
• When will Gary Cahill learn to keep the line? Sergio Aguero would have been offside for his goal, but Cahill dropped off and played him onside instead. This happens far too often for my liking, and is the main reason I feel that Terry and Luiz are our number one pairing.
• This isn't related to the Chelsea game, but I was absolutely thrilled to see Fabio Borini get the winner today for Sunderland and to see Gus Poyet lead the club to it's first win. Here's hoping that the pair continue to impress and steer the club away from the relegation zone.