Two substitutes made sure that the master got on the winning track. Jack Grealish came on along with Mahrez in the 60th minute, just three minutes later the England international served the Algerian, who only had to push the ball over the line from close range. Chelsea had previously defended skillfully and kept the opposing offensive around Erling Haaland and Kevin de Bruyne well in check. Coach Graham Potter’s team also repeatedly put pinpricks forward themselves, but went unrewarded in the end.
The game had already started bitterly for the Londoners, who were in tenth place. After just five minutes, striker Raheem Sterling had to leave the field injured, a good quarter of an hour later the injury devil struck Christian Pulisic. The US team player was also unable to continue.
City thus capitalized on Tuesday’s 0-0 draw between Arsenal and third-placed Newcastle United (35 points). City and Chelsea meet again next weekend, both teams meet again in the FA Cup on Sunday – this time in Manchester.