Two first half goals from Kelvin De Bruyne and Riyad Mahrez was all Manchester City needed to snatch a come from behind 2-1 victory over a fearless Chelsea side at the Etihad on Saturday evening.
An N’golo Kante strike handed Frank Lampard’s men the early advantage but the champions fought like wounded lions to force a turnaround – even before the interval – and bag all three points as the EPL title race continues to heat up.
An entertaining, end-to-end first 45 minutes ended 2-1 in favour of the hosts, a half in which both sides looked dangerous in attack and nervous in defence.
City led at the break but it was Kante who drew first blood after racing in behind to smash home the game’s opener with twenty minutes gone.
However, the Citizens were soon back on leveled terms when Kevin De Bruyne’s fortuitous deflected strike flew in past Kepa just before the half hour mark.
And with halftime fast approaching, City completed the comeback with Algeria’s Riyad Mahrez notching a superb solo goal.
More actions followed as Aguero hit the crossbar after Kepa inadvertently passed him the ball, but City could not extend their lead before half-time.
The brilliant Mahrez had the first opening of the second period but he could only place his shot just wide of the upright.
Moments later, Kante should have equalized for the Blues. Azpilicueta got to the byline and played the ball in low for Kante, whose shot was deflected away from the bottom corner by Fernandinho with Ederson beaten.
Aguero, Foden and even William all passed up chances to change the scoreline but it was to no avail.
The home fans thought they had their third goal when Jesus flicked a header into the box that Sterling latched onto and fired past Kepa – who should do a lot better – but a VAR check revealed that his shoulder was offside with the goal ruled out!
Manchester City, however, earned the maximum points that helped them keep up the pace with a Liverpool side that claimed victory earlier in the day.
