If you want to see a fake result, the aftermath of a botox injection would be more apt than the scoreline in Manchester City's victory over Chelsea.
For all Jose Mourinho's post-match comments, Man City could have been more than 3-0 up by half-time, never mind by full-time as the final score eventually settled on.
Plenty of talking points emerged from the match, including John Terry's first substitution under Mourinho's rule and a lack of cover from the London side's midfield base of Nemanja Matic and a woefully out-of-form Cesc Fabregas.
But the simple point was that City stretched Chelsea to the point that their defensive fabric could do nothing but tear.
Take a look at this graphic from FourFourTwo's Statzone app:
City working the flanks well (via @fourfourtwo) #MCICHE pic.twitter.com/gzcvlCkv0f
— Newstalk's Team 33 (@teamthirtythree) August 16, 2015
It is noticeable that City stretched the play with Raheem Sterling - who gives City more opportunities for flexibility in wide areas in comparison to a Samir Nasri type attacking midfielder - and nippy winger Jesus Navas.
But it wasn't just the wingers who exploited the space on the flanks. City full-backs Aleksandar Kolarov (created the most City chances with a total of four) and, to a slightly lesser extent, Bacary Sagna pushed forwards and made sure that Chelsea's defence could not remain compact, allowing playmaker David Silva to probe and prick any open wounds.
Significantly, Sterling's most regular pass recipient was Kolarov with more than half of his 12 passes to the Serbian going forwards or sideways, while the figure was slightly inferior between Navas and Sagna. Additionally, both players' second passing option in pure numbers terms was Silva.
Contrast that with Chelsea's occupation of space, which was so narrow. The widest attacking player was Cesar Azpilicueta, who may normally be a defensive asset, but does not contribute much in the opposite half.
Conversely Hazard is tucked so far in, the team doctor can't get to him (graphic via @StatsZone ) #MCICHE #cfc pic.twitter.com/4eS0hHzQwc
— Newstalk's Team 33 (@teamthirtythree) August 16, 2015
Mourinho may also have concerns about the form of the normally dependable right full-back Branislav Ivanovic, who was bullied by Vincent Kompany at the set piece for City's second goal and for a second match in succession (he struggled against Swansea's Jefferson Montero last week) failed to quell the danger from his flank.
Ex-Chelsea and Ireland defender Paddy Mulligan was on this week's Rewind and spoke to Oisin Langan about his take on the game:
