Manchester City slumped to a 1-0 defeat at home to Chelsea in what could be a decisive result in the Premier League title race.
Branislav Ivanovic’s sweet strike gave the Blues a deserved lead and, while they had to resist a late City surge, Jose Mourinho’s side were well worth the victory after a fine away performance.
The result means Arsenal remain top with 14 matches left, two points clear of City, who are ahead of Chelsea on goal difference.
City started well but looked shaky in defence, not least on account of Manuel Pellegrini’s decision to play defender Martin Demichelis in midfield due to an injury to Fernandinho.
It was an error from Demichelis that saw Chelsea open the scoring, the Argentine dithering to allow Eden Hazard past: Ramires’s shot was blocked, and Ivanovic rifled home the rebound in style.
Samuel Eto’o hit the post and Chelsea were well worth their lead at half-time. They were even better in the second period as Nemanja Matic and Gary Cahill both struck the woodwork.
The final quarter saw City take the game to Chelsea, but solid defending from Cahill and John Terry, and some good goalkeeping from Petr Cech, helped Chelsea to a massive win.
Reuters
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