Manchester City’s slim title hopes were swiftly ended by league leaders Chelsea as the Citizens fell to a narrow 2-1 defeat at Stamford Bridge.
Before the game, City had a chance of gaining some ground on their rivals above them in the table and further consolidating their top four status. Chelsea were 11 points clear of them before this game, and it would have taken a great performance from the Citizens to overturn Antonio Conte’s men.
Overall, the game was another intense affair, with end-to-end action and top quality, attacking football. City’s performances in both halves epitomised their season, as their lack of potency continued to cost them despite their dominance and command of the game.
Chelsea took the lead through Eden Hazard after his shot was deflected off returning City captain Vincent Kompany, which wrong-footed keeper Willy Caballero, who really should have done better.
City equalised through Sergio Aguero, after Chelsea keeper Thibaut Courtois was badly at fault for a poor clearance to David Silva, who set up Aguero for the equaliser on 26 minutes.
Just before half-time, Chelsea were awarded a penalty after Fernandinho recklessly tripped up Pedro to give Eden Hazard the opportunity to give the Blues the lead once again. Despite Caballero saving his penalty, the rebound was given straight back to Hazard to regain Chelsea’s lead going into half-time. Chelsea eventually held on for the win, which takes them 14 points clear of City and retains their seven-point lead over Tottenham Hotspur.
Here are my Man City match ratings:
