It had felt for years that Manchester City were nothing if Sergio Aguero wasn't on the pitch.

But Gabriel Jesus has proven that is certainly not the case after putting in a lively performance at Chelsea in the Argentinian's absence.

Jesus, 20, led the line for City after Aguero was ruled out of action with a fractured rib following his car crash in Amsterdam during the week.

While it is the first time he was given the chance to shine on his own in the Premier League this season, Jesus has played as a lone striker for City before, even managing to keep Aguero out of the team last season.

Jesus was lively and looked to get on the ball (
Image:
AFP)
City have one of the world's most promising strikers in Jesus (
Image:
Getty Images Europe)

The standout moment was almost definitely his cute assist for Kevin De Bruyne, pulling off Andreas Christensen for the one-two before the Belgian smashed home from 20 yards.

As good as he is with the ball at his feet, Jesus still has the mentality of an old school striker, persistently driving into the six-yard box in the hope of getting a tap-in.

It's his work rate off the ball that is perhaps the most impressive aspect of his game.

Jesus was determined to chase the ball down for the entire 90 minutes and almost forged an opportunity for himself when he charged down Thibaut Courtois who took a poor touch.

Chelsea defended well against the Brazilian (
Image:
REUTERS)
Jesus looked to make a difference in the final third (
Image:
AFP)

The Brazilian, who has five goals in his nine senior international matches, is always determined to try and run in behind the centre-backs and offer an option in the final third.

One ball into the box by Raheem Sterling was just too long for Jesus, who made a determined run beyond the penalty spot.

Chelsea, to their credit, did well to counteract the threat by playing a deep line, making sure they did not end up in a race with City's rapid front men.

Jesus was cruelly denied a deserved goal in the closing moments, as his side-footed volley was cleared off the line by Antonio Rudiger after Courtois could only watch it fly past him.

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