Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini accused Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho for employing negative tactics and instructing his side to play like "a small team" during the 1-1 draw in the Premier League against at the Etihad.
Despite dominating large chunks of the game, City were unable to find the breakthrough, and they were punished when Andre Schurrle fired Chelsea into the lead in the 71st minute following Pablo Zabaleta's secind off for a second yellow card.
However, in a dramatic twist of events, Frank Lampard, Chelsea's all-time goalscorer, came off the bench and levelled the score in the 85th minute.
Although the Blues have managed to outscore their opponents in the Premier League this season, registering 6-3 and 4-1 wins against Swansea City and Everton in their last two fixtures respectively, they were very defensive-minded at Manchester City.
And Pellegrini criticised the Mourinho for "parking the bus" at the Etihad.
"I think we played during 90 minutes against a small team trying to defend, trying to keep 10 players in front of their goal and [City were] a team that wanted to win from the beginning," Pellegrini told reporters after the match.
Despite admitting a 1-1 draw was an unfair scoreline, the Chilean says that he is pleased with his side's performance.
"We had two or three clear chances to score at the start of the second half, and after, with 10 players, we continued trying to win. I am satisfied with the performance of my team but I am not satisfied with the score."
Pellegrini feels Chelsea employed the same tactics as Stoke City did during their 1-0 victory over City at the Etihad in the last fixture.
"I think we played against exactly the same team we played against Stoke here. It will be very difficult for us to score. Finally we could score," said the Chilean adding that he was pleased with on-loan midfielder Lampard's performance.
"When I sent Lampard into the game, I told him go and score," he continued. "I was so sure Frank would play well against Chelsea because he is a very good professional. I spoke with him at the beginning of the week and he wanted to be involved, he is a very good player and a great professional so I am very happy with him."
