"That was anti-football, it was a crime against football what they did today," Redknapp fumed. "I really feel really strongly about it. I was looking forward to watching this game today. I understand not playing with a striker and being difficult to beat, but you must have some intent. They've got good players - it was like they didn't want to go forward at all."
Antonio Conte set up with Eden Hazard playing as a false nine, and did not start a striker. His side, who were missing midfield lynchpin Ngolo Kante, didn't manage a single shot on target during the game, and had a meagre 29% possession. "Chelsea should have given them the three points before the game started," Redknapp concluded, criticising Conte's defensive tactics.
Gary Neville, who recently tore into Arsenal after their defeats to City, turned his gaze on Chelsea, echoing Redknapp's point of view. "This is woeful from Chelsea," the ex-Man United man said. "In terms of a Premier League game it's unacceptable. That has nothing to do with solidity or shape of the team they are playing, it is just the intent."
"They're just watching Manchester City play; they're like mannequins… it is painful to watch."
It was the first of three big tests for Antonio Conte, and his side now have to pick themselves up and focus on upcoming Champions League and FA Cup ties against Barcelona and Leicester, as they drop five points off the top four.