Manchester City pipped Chelsea by a loan goal at the Stamford Bridge as they closed the gap on Premier League leaders Arsenal to five points.
Man City struggled in the first half while the host dominated possession in most part of the encounter but lacked conviction in the vital moments.
After the restart Pep Guardiola threw the dice by introducing Riyard Mahrez and Jack Grealish who made the difference midway through the second half — the duo combined to break the deadlock after 63 minutes when Mahrez turned in the English winger’s low cross at the far post to put the visitors ahead.
Even more worrying for Chelsea is that former City forward Raheem Sterling and Christian Pulisic have added to a lengthening injury list after both were hauled off earlier in the game.
The defeat leaves Chelsea in the unusual position of 10th, 10 points off the Champions League places making manager Graham Potter’s job even more difficult.
It was not a vintage performance from Manchester City but they will be delighted with the maximum three points as they keep taps on the league leaders.