Man City beat Chelsea at the Etihad to open up a 13-point lead at the top. Kevin De Bruyne’s dazzling solo effort was enough to secure a potentially title-winning three points.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Man City have averaged at least three goals at the Etihad in the Premier League despite playing without a designated striker for much of the season, and with Chelsea having only kept two clean sheets in 11 league matches, goals were expected. <\/p>\n
In a chess match-like first half, however, clear-cut chances were few and far between.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Mateo Kovai’s errant ball put Jack Grealish through on goal one-on-one with Kepa Arrizabalaga five minutes before halftime, providing the game’s finest opportunity for either side in a cagey first period. <\/p>\n
However, the Englishman, who was part of a fluid front three, was unable to capitalise, as the onrushing Spaniard turned his placed finish around the post for a corner.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Pep Guardiola has lost eight games as a manager against Chelsea, the most of any manager.<\/p>\n
But his relentless crop took the lead on 69 minutes after a marauding run through the heart of the Blues’ defense by City captain De Bruyne, who sumptuously bent a right-footed effort past Arrizabalaga into the bottom corner.\u00a0<\/p>\n
With substitutes Callum Hudson-Odoi and Timo Werner stationed opposite a hitherto isolated Romelu Lukaku, it was a goal that ignited the touch paper as the game loosened up.<\/p>\n
However, Thomas Tuchel’s substitutions came too late for Chelsea, who were unable to apply sustained pressure to Ederson’s goal.\u00a0<\/p>\n
This was only the second Premier League meeting between Man City and Chelsea as the division’s top two sides, and with City’s 12th consecutive Premier League win.<\/p>\n
Only Preston North End and Liverpool having won 11 or more games in a row without winning the league, Guardiola’s side appear to be champions elect.<\/p>\n
Watch highlights and post match analysis below.<\/p>\n