Man City close gap on Arsenal as Mahrez nets in tight win over injury-hit Chelsea
One would have expected nothing but a tedious first half for the hosts following the premature substitutions of Raheem Sterling and Christian Pulisic, especially after their disappointing 1-1 draw against Nottingham Forest four days earlier.
Surprisingly enough, Chelsea weren’t going to play second-fiddle, as Graham Potter’s men saw more chances arrive their way than their possession-hungry counterparts.
Manchester City held strong though, relying on crucial tackles by John Stones and Nathan Aké, along with a brilliant save by Ederson to keep them alive.
However, chances in the final third failed to materialise for the Blues, as they looked rather content with battling for midfield supremacy, much to the frustration of Pep Guardiola.
City almost went ahead through Erling Haaland, who sent his side’s first real chance narrowly past the right post, before substitute Carney Chukwuemeka struck the left post at the other end - sparking hopes of a first Chelsea win in their last five league games against sides placed in the top four.
The reigning champions displayed true character after the break, knowing they needed to raise the stakes if they were to cut Arsenal’s eight-point cushion at the top.
Out of nowhere, Ake first struck the crossbar having latched onto a superb cross, shortly before Kepa Arrizabalaga was forced into a low save by Kevin De Bruyne.
Despite the onslaught, Chelsea did well to maintain composure, but City’s relentless charge eventually paid dividends in the 63rd minute by virtue of their substitutes, as Jack Grealish fed Mahrez with an inch-perfect assist for a tap-in at the far post.
Rallied on by Potter on the sidelines, the Blues upped the ante in search of the equaliser which would avoid a sixth league defeat.
However, it proved unattainable for the hosts who lacked creativity in the final third, succumbing to yet another defeat ‘to nil’ against the visitors - a fourth straight game without scoring against them.
Adding to their fantastic away league form, City register a 19th win in 26 games on the road, losing just once in that run.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Ilkay Gundogan (Manchester City)
