Bridge was applauded for a solid display at left back, but City’s real stars were Tévez — who underlined why his team-mates have missed him so much by offering a masterclass in how to lead a line single-handed — and Bellamy, a pest throughout, plus Gareth Barry, who gave Fabio Capello, the England manager, something to cheer by bossing midfield.
Chelsea’s main weakness this season has been an inability to defend set-pieces, but time and again in the second half, City exposed their vulnerability on the flanks to fast counter-attacks, with both of Bellamy’s goals coming by virtue of swift breaks forward.
Mark Fleming, The Independent
At the back, Chelsea limited Inter and City to eight goal attempts each. But in both games they were susceptible to counter attack every time the opposition crossed the halfway line. With Ashley Cole and Petr Cech injured, Chelsea resemble heavyweights with a glass chin.
City, galvanised by the sense of injustice concerning Bridge's shattered love life, proved what a good side they are, when they can be bothered. Tevez returned after missing four games to be at the birth of daughter Katie in Argentina, and promptly brought Chelsea's 37-game unbeaten run at Stamford Bridge to an end with his tenacity and creativity.
David Hytner, The Guardian
City had entered the game against a backdrop of poor form and talk of a bust-up between Mancini and Bellamy. "If Craig is arguing with someone around the club, it's normal," said Barry, with a smile. But they departed having staged the most eye-catching of smash-and-grab raids. Their first, second and fourth goals came on the counter-attack.
Jeremy Wilson, Daily Telegraph
It [our equaliser] was the pivotal moment of the match and also a glimpse of genuine individual quality from a player who had only arrived back in England on Friday after being in Argentina with his partner and prematurely born daughter.
As Chelsea wilted and the collective purpose and belief of Manchester City visibly grew, Craig Bellamy scored twice on the counter-attack while Tevez converted a penalty after Juliano Belletti was sent-off for into Gareth Barry. It all ensured that Lampard’s late penalty was merely a consolation.
Matt Barlow, Daily Mail
Two more goals for Frank Lampard was the only positive for Ancelotti. For City, there was so much more. Bellamy looked dangerous and boss Mancini insisted their disagreement was now forgotten.
That was the beauty of Team Terry v Team Bridge. For once, City and Bellamy had a common enemy and they were all smiles.
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