Manchester City trimmed the hole to Premier League chief Arsenal to 5 factors by beating Chelsea 1-0 on Thursday after a double substitution by Pep Guardiola paid off instantly at Stamford Bridge.
Riyad Mahrez and Jack Grealish entered within the sixtieth minute and mixed for the one purpose three minutes later, with Mahrez tapping in from shut vary after a wonderfully weighted cross by his fellow winger.
City solely got here to life within the second half after a curiously passive show earlier than halftime, maybe introduced on by a complicated group choice by Guardiola that noticed numerous gamers deployed in uncommon roles.
Known for his overthinking at occasions, Guardiola accepted after the sport he obtained it mistaken. That’s why he took off two full backs — Joao Cancelo and Kyle Walker — at halftime and restored Rodri to middle midfield, with the Spaniard having additionally been in a hybrid function protecting central protection, too.
Suddenly, City was throughout Chelsea and creating probabilities, even when prime scorer Erling Haaland was largely stored quiet and Kevin De Bruyne shone solely fleetingly.
“In the second half, it was miles better in all departments,” stated Guardiola, who reserved particular reward for halftime sub, the 18-year-old Rico Lewis, as a result of he “changed the game.”
The purpose got here after Guardiola’s second double change, although it may need been stored out had Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga stretched out to dam Grealish’s low cross from the left moderately than draw back his arm.
“I felt the keeper was going to get it at one point,” Grealish stated, “though maybe I should be praising my cross!”
City pulled 4 factors away from third-place Newcastle and closed in on Arsenal, which drew 0-0 at residence to Newcastle on Tuesday.
“We don’t focus on the table … there’s a long way to go,” City defender John Stones stated. “In previous years we have gone on long unbeaten runs and we need to do it again.”
Chelsea stayed in tenth place, 19 factors off the leaders. Graham Potter’s group is as near the relegation zone as the highest 4.
Chelsea misplaced forwards Raheem Sterling, who joined from City within the offseason, and Christian Pulisic to accidents within the first half. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang got here on for Sterling within the fifth minute and was substituted within the 68th.
Another of the substitutes, Carney Chukwuemeka, struck a shot in opposition to the submit on the finish of the primary half.
“When you take into account every part, shedding Raheem and Christian so early, the lads gave every part,” Potter said. “It was a spirited efficiency in opposition to a prime group, so aside from the outcome I’m pleased with the gamers.
“It’s robust in the mean time, I need to admit, and I really feel for the boys. 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 every part and that’s all you possibly can ask for.”
The groups meet once more within the FA Cup on Sunday, with City internet hosting on that event.
