Defending champions Manchester Metropolis beat injury-hit Chelsea 1-0 on Thursday to shut the hole on Premier League leaders Arsenal to only 5 factors.
Pep Guardiola’s males have been properly beneath par within the first half however have been remodeled after the break, with substitutes Jack Grealish and Riyad Mahrez combining for the one aim, scored by the Algerian within the 63rd minute.
Graham Potter’s Chelsea got here into the sport at Stamford Bridge languishing in tenth place within the desk however they’d the higher of the opening 45 minutes.
Nevertheless, it was a distinct story within the second half because the guests discovered their attacking rhythm, with Guardiola admitting they have been “miles higher in each division” after the break.
“We struggled loads within the first half — it was sloppy and sluggish and with out rhythm,” the Metropolis boss instructed Sky Sports activities. “Within the second half it was a lot, a lot better from minute one.
“The three factors are essential, positively. The gamers comprehend it. For a very long time we have been on the prime. However we attempt, we have now the FA Cup and Carabao (League) Cup after which Previous Trafford. However it’s essential for these video games, a win immediately.”
Chelsea, already and not using a clutch of senior gamers together with Mason Mount and Reece James, misplaced ahead Raheem Sterling to an obvious hamstring damage within the opening minutes, changed by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
The house aspect have been first to threaten severely however Metropolis defender John Stones got here to the rescue within the sixteenth minute as Christian Pulisic bore down on aim, producing a superbly timed sliding deal with to disclaim the US ahead.
The American was injured within the problem and was pressured off minutes later, compounding Chelsea’s issues.
Teenager Carney Chukwuemeka, who got here on for Pulisic, nearly made an immediate impression however his shot was blocked and Hakim Ziyech’s effort was saved by Metropolis goalkeeper Ederson.
Erling Haaland, who has 21 Premier League objectives this season — yet one more than your complete Chelsea aspect — smashed a shot large within the thirty eighth minute on what proved to be a quiet night for the Norwegian famous person.
However Chelsea continued to look the extra harmful aspect and got here agonisingly near breaking the impasse when Chukwuemeka hit the put up simply earlier than half-time.
Double change
Guardiola, sad with what he had witnessed, made a double substitution on the interval, bringing on Rico Lewis and Manuel Akanji for Joao Cancelo and Kyle Walker within the seek for extra management.
The guests instantly settled and commenced to dictate play, with Nathan Ake heading towards the woodwork, however Chelsea responded properly and have been inches away from taking the lead when Thiago Silva flashed large.
Guardiola, whose group drew 1-1 with Everton on the weekend, launched Grealish and Mahrez on the hour mark to additional clean up his assault.
The choice paid dividends minutes later when Grealish produced a superb go from the left and Mahrez prodded house from shut vary.
Potter made adjustments of his personal, bringing on England ahead Conor Gallagher, however they have been unable to seek out an equaliser regardless of some late stress.
The end result leaves Metropolis 5 factors behind Arsenal, who dropped factors in a 0-0 draw towards high-flying Newcastle earlier within the week.
However Potter is below growing stress — Chelsea now have only one win of their previous eight league video games and stay 10 factors off the highest 4.
Potter, whose Chelsea aspect face Metropolis once more within the FA Cup third spherical on the Etihad on Sunday, mentioned he was happy with his group’s efficiency, particularly after shedding Sterling and Pulisic so early.
“It’s robust for the time being I need to admit and I really feel for the boys,” he mentioned.
“Now we have to stay collectively. It was disappointing to lose these guys however the gamers on the pitch and those that got here in gave the whole lot and that’s all you’ll be able to ask for.”
Learn all of the Newest Sports activities Information right here
(This story has not been edited by News18 employees and is printed from a syndicated information company feed)