"Nothing brings me joy like City," said one supporter cast in sky blue on their way to the Etihad. Unfortunately for Chelsea supporters, they have all become much more familiar with how your team can bring despair and frustration, even without the jeopardy of a relegation battle.
There was no doubting this was Manchester City's day. Even the train north from Euston appeared to have more home supporters than visiting Chelsea fans.
The sun was shining and there was no tension in the air on the way to the ground, just blue shirts taking in the day with content relaxation. There was intensity in the support once inside the ground as the Premier League anthem was booed, Pep Guardiola's name sang and the word 'Championes' repeatedly released with vigour.
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A mural opposite City's stadium quotes Pep Guardiola: 'Perfection, that's part of my job'. With a treble still possible to cap off a fifth Premier League title in six seasons and another year of breaking 90 points beckoning, the Manchester club come pretty close.
Three points in some regards felt like a formality, and while the procession of a guard of honour welcoming Manchester City onto the pitch may be a familiar to Raheem Sterling of Chelsea's stars, his vantage point on this occasions was very different. His head first glanced upwards before he looked down the line towards his former teammates clapping forcefully ahead of the game.
The £45million signing joined Chelsea last summer in the search of more exposure to a starting lineup and to return closer to home. It's a decision that will not have come easily, with the 28-year-old still harbouring lofty ambitions. Few are guaranteed a spot in Guardiola's XI, and Thomas Tuchel saw Sterling as a central part to improving Chelsea's attack.
Following the announcement, Sterling said: "First and foremost, it's a pleasure to be here. I've obviously achieved a lot in my career so far, but there is still so much more to achieve, and I'm really looking forward to doing that in a Chelsea shirt under Thomas's management."
Chelsea's winger has not had the season he would have hoped with Chelsea consigned to the bottom half, Tuchel no longer at the club and no European football awaiting next season. He remains the Blues' top goalscorer after his brace versus Nottingham Forest, having netted nine times.
While it has not offered Chelsea a high bar to beat, Sterling remained among Chelsea's primary threats against the Premier League champions. He came agonisingly close in the opening period and having brief Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Conor Gallagher at half time, what he was looking for, had more chances before being substituted.
On one occasion, Sterling drove into the City box and beat Kyle Walker with a quick turn to get a shot away. Stefan Ortega got a low hand to the close-range shot but the ball still headed goalwards until John Stones cleared it off the line. A quick hug from the defender followed, as they exchanged smiles and the Man City defender appeared to say "so close". Something Chelsea are far from with their opponents set to double the Blues points tally
Chelsea's summer signing suffered a few boos throughout the game, and some derision from his former fans when chances were missed, but their respect was clear when he was substituted. The Etihad Stadium united in applause for the winger who spent seven years playing in Manchester.
While the Blues were competitive, City's second string will have ensured that Sterling was sent a reminder in Chelsea's fourth defeat this term against Guardiola's men. Seeing the pitch invaded from the sidelines certainly made sure that success doesn't grow old.
It would have been evident to Sterling more than most just how far Chelsea have to go but the Blues supporters and staff will know too. The England international will still have big aspirations, much like the west London side's owners.
The Blues have not felt what it is like to win a Premier League title since 2016, but the feeling in the Etihad Stadium during the match and the pitch invasion that followed before a player could reach the dugout will send a stark reminder. Sterling will be familiar with the feeling and he will have to try to lead Chelsea back to somewhere close to that mark.
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