Manchester City closed the gap to Premier League leaders Arsenal back to five points and left Chelsea languishing down in 10th position after a 1-0 win at Stamford Bridge on Thursday.
After City struggled to make inroads in an unfamiliar formation in the first half, substitutes Jack Grealish and Riyad Mahrez combined on 63 minutes for the Algeria winger to tap home and grab a vital three points.
– Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.)
Both teams had earlier hit the woodwork but it was Guardiola’s changes, in personnel and abandoning a three-at-the-back starting formation, that proved decisive.
The win means City take advantage of Arsenal’s first dropped home points of the season in a draw with Newcastle on Tuesday. Chelsea’s poor run of form under new coach Graham Potter continues, however, leaving them with just 25 points from 17 games and as close to the relegation zone as they are to a place in the top four.
