Chelsea vs Man City highlights and reaction as Riyad Mahrez scores from Grealish assist.
Manchester City beat Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in an important Premier League fixture ahead of the two sides meeting again in the FA Cup at the weekend
Manchester City reduced the gap on Arsenal at the top of the Premier League back down to five points with a hard-fought win away at Chelsea.
City fell seven points behind Arsenal on New Year’s Eve with a frustrating draw against Everton, but Arsenal were held by third-placed Newcastle on Tuesday, giving City an immediate chance to regain the ground lost last time out. However, to do that, they had to get three points at Stamford Bridge, against Chelsea.
Pep Guardiola was again without Ruben Dias and Aymeric Laporte so decided to recall Phil Foden, Joao Cancelo and Kyle Walker, opting for an unusual formation with Cancelo in right-midfield, Rodri helping the defence, and Bernardo as a deep midfielder.
The first half was poor from City, and the formation didn’t help, but the Blues ran out deserved winners when Walker and Cancelo were replaced at half time. On the hour, Guardiola brought on Jack Grealish and Riyad Mahrez, and the pair combined immediately to score the only goal when Grealish found Mahrez at the back post.
Guardiola on his formation and substitutions
Guardiola has apologised to his players for the first half formation, and praised Rico Lewis for changing the game in the second half.
“We didn’t play good in the first half. I admire, I say thank you to Joao and Rodri not playing their position. We decided to play a lineup that adapts to their line up. Second half miles better in all departments. A big result.
“The last games, Rico has the ability to make his teammates better. There are players who play for himself, but he has the ability to make his teammates better. Playing the level against Chelsea, Leeds, Liverpool, today he changed the game. I’m happy Kyle finished the first half good after a long time.
“Riyad I wouldn’t have put the first half, I’m sorry for Joao because he struggles in not his position, I thought the space would be there. Second half, Bernardo was better. There are players after the World Cup need to come back. Hopefully in the next games will happen.