Manchester City closed the gap on Premier League leaders Arsenal by winning a tightly fought contest with Chelsea 1-0 at Stamford Bridge on Thursday night thanks to Riyad Mahrez’s strike.
Graham Potters’ hosts responded well to a pair of injury setbacks to create decent moments in the first half, but Jack Grealish’s low ball across the box picked out fellow substitute Mahrez to tap in at the back post in the 63rd minute.
Raheem Sterling’s evening against his old teammates ended early on due to injury before Christian Pulisic suffered a similar fate, forcing substitutes Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Carney Chukwuemeka to be introduced earlier than expected.
John Stones produced a pair of excellent blocks to prevent Chelsea going ahead in the first half, halting efforts from both Pulisic before the injury and Chukwuemeka after.
Erling Haaland lifted his first chance over the bar while Chukwuemeka continued to look dangerous, striking the post. An immediate City counter-attack saw Kevin De Bruyne’s strike saved by Arrizabalaga.
Pep Guardiola’s visitors were much improved after the break, having had their rhythm stunted by a decent Chelsea defensive effort, and eventually took the lead minutes after the introduction of substitutes Mahrez and Grealish.
It was Grealish who drifted wide and delivered the ball on a plate for Mahrez, who just had to evade Marc Cucurella and steer in at the back post.
City came close to doubling their advantage when De Bruyne crossed for Haaland, but not even the Norwegian’s behemoth frame could get on the end of it.
The hosts struggled for clear chances and when Lewis Hall skewed wide deep into the second half, it seemed clear the points would be heading north with Guardiola and City.
City have now reduced the gap on league leaders Arsenal to five points, while Chelsea are tenth after their fourth loss in six games.
source: https://www.90min.com/
