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Match Report: Chelsea 0-1 Manchester City (Premier League)

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Manchester City returned to winning ways in the Premier League with a classy victory away to Chelsea on Thursday evening.

The Stamford Bridge fixture started with a cagey first half showing between the two Blue sides with chances coming far and few in between, leaving the opponents heading down the tunnel drawing at the break.

Thankfully the second half was far more interesting with a goal finally coming from the bench of all places as substitute Riyad Mahrez gave City the lead, which proved to be the match-winning goal.

The result means City move to within five points of league leaders Arsenal, as they search for what would be their fifth Premier League title in just six years.

Thursday’s game started with an early injury to former City winger Raheem Sterling, who saw his evening cut short because of it and subsequently replaced by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

John Stones then put in a goal-saving tackle to prevent Christian Pulisic from giving Chelsea the lead in a fraught opening 20 minutes.

The home side then saw their second forced substitution of the night as Pulisic himself was forced off with an injury and replaced by Carney Chukwuemeka.

Erling Haaland had to wait until the 37th minute for his first opportunity of the match, with the Norwegian uncharacteristically firing his shot well over the bar.

City then survived a scare as Chukwuemeka saw his shot strike Ederson’s post before the visitors countered with Kevin De Bruyne surging forward, only for the attack to amount to nothing.

After a couple of extra minutes of tense play, the sides went into the break level.

There were a couple of surprise changes for Pep Guardiola’s side with Manuel Akanji and Rico Lewis coming on for full-back duo Kyle Walker and Joao Cancelo at the break.

City had the first big chance of the second half as De Bruyne’s wicked cross was met by the head of former Chelsea defender Nathan Ake, whose header struck Kepa Arrizabalaga’s woodwork.

This was followed up by a strong shot by the Belgian maestro which was saved by the Spain keeper.

Thiago Silva then somehow missed a perfect opportunity to send Graham Potter’s side into the lead, firing his effort wide of his compatriot Ederson’s goal.

Guardiola then turned to his bench, bringing on Riyad Mahrez and Jack Grealish for Bernardo Silva and Phil Foden respectively.

This proved to be yet another Pep Guardiola masterstroke as the incoming duo combined brilliantly, with Grealish fantastically setting Mahrez up for a simple tap-in at the far post.

After several interesting battles between John Stones and his England international teammate Conor Gallagher, Guardiola made his fifth and final substitution.

Kalvin Phillips replaced Rodri in the centre of midfield for the Premier League champions to see out the final five minutes.

Despite late pressure, the Cityzens clung onto a vital victory that was well-earned in West London.

City are next in action at the weekend, switching the Premier League for the FA Cup in what will be their first match in the famous competition this campaign.

Although the tournament is different in their next game, City’s opponents remain the same, with Guardiola’s side welcoming Chelsea to the Etihad for what will be the third encounter between the two sides this season already.

The FA Cup third round fixture takes place on Sunday with a kick-off time of 4.30pm.

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