MANCHESTER City took full advantage of leaders Arsenal’s slip-up with an emphatic 3-0 victory at Chelsea today to spark an exciting English Premier League title race.
Second-placed City struck three times in the second half at Stamford Bridge to cut Arsenal’s lead to six points – with a game in hand – after the Gunners’ shock 2-1 home defeat by Bournemouth yesterday.
Pep Guardiola’s City had been sloppy during the first half, with Rayan Cherki striking a first-time effort from the edge of the box straight at Robert Sanchez and Antoine Semenyo’s shot from a similar position deflecting wide.
But the visitors started the second period with more purpose and broke the deadlock in the 51st minute when Cherki stood up a teasing cross which Nico O’Reilly powerfully headed in.
Frenchman Cherki was the provider again just six minutes later, feeding a pass through to former Chelsea player Marc Guehi, who caressed a low finish into the far corner to spark wild celebrations in front of the away end.
Chelsea were falling apart as Moises Caicedo was caught on the ball deep in his own half, allowing Jeremy Doku to break forward and finish with aplomb to seal the three points.
Earlier in the game, Marc Cucurella saw a fine finish ruled out for offside and Pedro Neto’s low shot was kept out by Gianluigi Donnarumma, but Liam Rosenior’s side fell to a third straight league defeat.
Chelsea fell further behind in the race for the five Champions League spots, staying four points behind fifth-placed Liverpool.
Manchester City host Arsenal at Etihad Stadium next Sunday, Guardiola’s side needing a win to keep Arsenal in sight.
With agency report
