Manchester City dominate Chelsea and come within five points of Arsenal in the Premier League

The game: 0-1

Manchester City should not be too unhappy to find Chelsea on Sunday (5:30 p.m.), at the Etihad Stadium, in the 32nd finals of the FA Cup. Because the Citizens have now already defeated the Blues this season in two other competitions, without conceding a goal. Either in the League Cup (2-0, November 9), then this Thursday (1-0), at Stamford Bridge, in the Premier League, which allows Guardiola’s men, second, to come back five lengths from Arsenal.

Very poor, the first half hour of the match was especially enamelled by the early injury exits of two Blues attacking players, Raheem Sterling (5th, replaced by Aubameyang) and Christian Pulisic (23rd). All this added for the London team to the loss just before the game against Mason Mount, also injured.

Despite this carnage, Chelsea, already slightly threatening by Ziyech (24th), obtained the best opportunity of the first period, which therefore became a little lively as the break approached, with an attempt by Haaland above (38th) and a shot on target from De Bruyne (44th). And this, thanks to the young Carney Chukwuemeka (19), entered in place of Pulisic, who found the post with a low shot from the right foot after a nice hook (43rd).

Blues too shy offensively

Visibly unhappy with the offensive animation of his team, especially on the sides, Pep Guardiola made two changes from the break: Joao Cancelo gave way to Rico Lewis and Kyle Walker to Manuel Akanji. And the Citizens finally accelerated, Aké finding the bar on a cross from De Bruyne (51st), who, in stride, with a shot from the left, forced Kepa to make a good save (52nd).

The Belgian then shot just wide after superb work from Bernardo Silva (59th). The Portuguese was immediately replaced by Riyad Mahrez, a non-existent Foden leaving his place to Jack Grealish (60th). And the two entrants were immediately decisive, Grealish (shifted by De Bruyne) finding perfectly at the far post Mahrez, who concluded closely, with the right foot (63rd).

Chelsea could then bitterly regret the recovery of Thiago Silva right next door (56th). As he will regret the big ball of 1-1 missed by the young Lewis Hall (90th + 2). The Sky Blues, they will not have to deplore the break point missed by a crampon by Haaland, for once remained silent. With a counter “blocked” at 21 goals in 16 Premier League matches this season, which remains exceptional.

The fact: Pep Guardiola’s winning coaching

After a disappointing first half, Pep Guardiola made pair changes. If the entries from the break of Lewis (for Cancelo) and Akanji (in place of Walker) did not revolutionize the game of his team, those of Grealish (for Foden) and Mahrez (for B. Silva) on the offensive flanks, have quickly and well changed everything. Because from the 63rd minute, the English international served from the right, his Algerian counterpart, came from his left side to offer a precious success to the Citizens in the title race.